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Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry comes out of retirement to return to main tour

Hendry won 36 ranking titles over his career. a record only surpassed last month by Ronnie O’Sullivan - Charlotte Graham
Hendry won 36 ranking titles over his career. a record only surpassed last month by Ronnie O’Sullivan - Charlotte Graham

Stephen Hendry, snooker's record-breaking seven times world champion, is to come out of retirement following more than eight years away from the sport’s main tour.

Now 51, Hendry walked away from professional snooker after reaching the World Championship quarter-final in 2012 and has since seen Ronnie O’Sullivan surpass all of his all-time records except for one. That is his seven World Championship victories at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre between 1990 and 1999, although O’Sullivan’s victory last month means that he is now himself level with Steve Davis and Ray Reardon on six.

Hendry decided to retire after concluding that he could no longer win and, having admitted in his autobiography to suffering from the snooker equivalent of the 'Yips', has been working to overcome those technical issues with a new coach.

He showed glimpses of his old form in reaching the semi-finals of the World Senior Championships last month before losing to his great rival Jimmy White and has now taken up an invitational tour card to join White in playing on the main tour for at least the next two seasons.

It will give him the opportunity to accrue ranking prize money in the same way as all other players on the circuit.

Hendry won 36 ranking titles over his career and that record was only surpassed last month by O’Sullivan, whose World Championship win was his 37th ranking title.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to enter some tournaments,” said Hendry.

“I’ve really enjoyed picking up my cue again recently at the World Seniors. I’ve always missed the buzz of competing and although I have no expectations in terms of performance, this felt like a good time to explore getting back to the table.”

Barry Hearn, the chairman of World Snooker, said: “I am thrilled that Stephen has decided to return to the tour. He is a giant of the sport and I know that all eyes will be on him every time he takes to the table in the coming months.

“It’s great to know that Stephen’s competitive fires are still burning and given his extraordinary achievements, it was a no brainer to offer him the opportunity to come back.”