STEPHEN HENDRY has slammed the antics of snooker players in a fiery rant.
The seven-time world champion hit out at stars that show their opponents too much respect and apologise after a fluke shot.
Hendry labelled modern-day sporting gestures as “horrendous” and did not hold back in his criticism.
He told the Snooker Club podcast: “You know what’s even worse? After every good safety shot, it’s a tap on the table now.
“What is going on? Sometimes it’s not even getting to the cushion and it’s ‘tap the table, tap the table, it’s so nice, lovely shot’.
“I mean, bore off. You’re there to win. Who are these people?”
Hendry praised Judd Trump for not engaging in these antics and had a theory about the five-time Triple Crown winner.
He continued his theory: “Trump never apologises for a fluke, hardly ever.
“And he never says ‘good shot’ and taps the table, ever.
“He’s world No1, he’s won everything, you do the maths.“
Ronnie O’Sullivan was set to feature against Stuart Carrington at the World Open on Sunday but has now pulled out.
It is the sixth event that the Rocket has withdrawn from since the UK Championship in November.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”‘Worst final I’ve ever seen’ says Stephen Hendry as he lifts lid on 2024 clash that was a ‘tough watch’ ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366596418112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Hendry worries we may not see O’Sullivan again until the Crucible in April.
He said: “Part of me thinks, is he just going to play in the World Championship? Is that the goal now? Is that the game for the season, the plan?
“I don’t know, but there’s no doubt if he’s not in an event, the event suffers a little. There’s no doubt about it.”