Snooker chief admits new schedule played part in decision
World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said he feels responsible for the retirement of Stephen Hendry, whom he says should be knighted.
Hendry quit after losing 13-2 to Stephen Maguire on Tuesday night, an ignominious final curtain for the seven-time champion.
But, at the age of 43, Hendry said the new schedule laid out by Hearn did not fit in with his business interests, and that his enthusiasm for practising was no longer there.
"In many ways I suppose I've retired Stephen Hendry, which I don't feel proud of," admitted Hearn.
"But this sport is much more important than an individual. You don't run a sport for the benefit of any great - and he was the greatest player in the world.
"With some of the top players you're seeing they're not being able to cope after years of having a month to prepare and being able to do other things.
"Those days are gone, and they're not going to come back."
That said, Hearn paid the ultimate tribute to Hendry, who received the MBE in 1994.
"Steve Davis should have had a knighthood 10 years ago, and I think Stephen Hendry for his contribution to the game is right up there as well," he added.
"In my opinion those two feature far above many previous recipients."
Hendry was set to be feted in the Crucible arena before Wednesday afternoon's play, with fellow former world champions Steve Davis, John Parrott, Ken Doherty, Dennis Taylor and Terry Griffiths due to form a guard of honour.
