Stephen Hendry Thinking Of Retiring

Stephen Hendry has revealed that he may retire from snooker at the end of the season.

The seven time champion came through a nail-biting first round at the Crucible against Joe Perry - a match he had to win if he wanted to stay inside the world's top sixteen.

And 6-3 up it looked like Hendry was once again going to progress into the second round. But Perry had other ideas as he battled back and forced a nineteenth and deciding frame.

But a missed brown for Perry in that final frame saw Hendry finally clinch victory - and his place in the next round.

Hendry currently lies twelfth in the world rankings and has not triumphed at the Crucible in over a decade - his last victory coming in 1999.

His slip down the rankings and his lack of titles in recent years has led Hendry to contemplate his future in the sport.

Speaking to BBC Sport after his match yesterday he said: "If I win I might still contemplate retirement. I've a big decision to make at the end of the season."

Despite having not won the world title for many year Hendry admits that the Crucible in Sheffield is still the best place to play snooker.

"I still love it out in the arena and my pipe and slippers are still there! It's the best place to play snooker.

"I'm looking forward to my next match now - I got out of jail today so I can relax now."

He will now face either Mark Selby or Jimmy Robertson in the second round.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw