Stephen Hendry, the seven-time world snooker champion, has never been one to mince words when it comes to the state of the game. While working as a commentator for ITV Sport at the Tour Championship in Manchester, Hendry expressed strong disapproval of Si Jiahui’s performance during his match against Mark Selby.

Hendry’s Commentary Sparks Debate

Hendry, 56, who retired from top-level snooker last year, has remained a prominent voice in the sport through his punditry on BBC and ITV, as well as his popular YouTube channel, “Cue Tips.” His recent commentary, however, has ignited a debate about the current approach of some players.

Hendry has been vocal about his desire to see more risk-taking and less “safe” play in snooker.He has even stated that snooker isn’t fun anymore due to the overly cautious strategies employed by many top players.

Specific criticisms of Si Jiahui’s Shot Selection

During the match where Mark Selby defeated Si Jiahui 10-6 to advance to the quarter-finals, Hendry took issue with Si’s shot choices, suggesting that Si didn’t appear to belong on the same table as Selby.

Si Jiahui will be disappointed.At times he didn’t look like he belonged in that company, such was his shot choice. He didn’t look on it, focused, look like he belonged at that table with Mark Selby. Some of the shots he refused,there were some strange shot choices,for me. He had enough chances.
Stephen Hendry,ITV 4

Hendry elaborated that Si seemed to be overthinking his decisions,possibly focusing on what others expected rather than trusting his instincts.

I don’t know if he’s thinking about the shots that everyone thinks he should play, rather than just committing to the shot that he wants.
stephen Hendry, ITV 4

The Mic-Dropping Moment

Hendry’s frustration reached a boiling point when Si opted for a safety shot rather of attempting a pot on a red ball. This decision prompted Hendry to audibly express his displeasure.

Hendry recounted his reaction to the shot:

How can you not go for the pot there? I know it’s not easy, but you have to play the pot surely. This one, I was in the commentary box, I threw the mic down, how can you not play that red to the right corner? It’s not a gimme, I’m not saying it’s an easy, easy shot, but in the end he doesn’t even play a good safety! Mark Selby pots the red off it. You’ve got to attack!
Stephen Hendry, ITV 4

Stephen Hendry: A Career of achievements

Hendry’s credentials lend notable weight to his commentary. His achievements include:

• Seven-time World Snooker Champion
• Youngest-ever winner of World Championship
• Six-time masters Champion
• Five-time UK Championship winner
• 18 Triple Crown tournament wins
• 36 ranking titles
• Nine seasons as World No1
• Awarded MBE in 1994
• Two-time BBC Scotland Sports Personality of the Year