Stephen Hendry says Hong Kong is his favourite city and he hopes for a return as he begins his comeback on the pro tour
- The Scottish seven-time world champion has fond memories of his annual visits to Hong Kong in the 80s and 90s with Barry Hearn’s Matchroom stable
- Hendry says it is not a full-time comeback with his main goal being to play at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield one more time
Stephen Hendry did not like Asian food when he first came to Hong Kong in 1987. Now he cannot get enough – of the food and the city.
The 52-year-old is on a measured comeback mission, hoping to get a taste of that special snooker atmosphere just one more time. And he hopes Hong Kong can be part of his return to the baize, just like it played a role 34 years ago when he was launching a career that would garner a record seven world titles and a legacy as one of the greatest snooker players of all time.
Hendry returned to competition in March at the Gibraltar Open after nine years away, losing 4-1 in the first round against Matthew Selt but not before scoring a vintage century break.
In the 80s and 90s, the Scot would join Barry Hearn’s Matchroom stable when they made their annual visits to Hong Kong, where they would play to packed crowds at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium.
“Hong Kong, it’s my favourite city in the world, I’ve been back a few times,” said Hendry, whose last trip here was for a series of clinics and exhibitions in 2017. “I love the whole buzz about the place, the landscape, the views, everything about it.
“I enjoy the people in Asia, they are so friendly, and the atmosphere, in terms of snooker, they were so hugely in love with snooker in those days, they obviously gave us so much support. Hopefully it won’t be long before I can come visit Hong Kong again. I’m not just saying that, it is my favourite city in the world. I think it’s incredible.