Chris Wakelin recently made headlines following a notable victory over Liam Pullen in the first round of the 2026 World Snooker Championship. The match ended with a score of 10-6, propelling Wakelin into the spotlight. He used this opportunity to address criticisms he feels have come from legendary player Stephen Hendry.
Wakelin’s Response to Stephen Hendry’s Criticism
Wakelin, entering the tournament as a top-16 seed for the first time, expressed his frustration about Hendry’s remarks. The seven-time world champion has consistently favored Wakelin’s opponents in televised matches, prompting a witty rebuttal from the player. “Someone who doesn’t rate me at all is Stephen Hendry. Every single players’ event, he always says the other guy is going to win,” Wakelin stated. He finds humor in this and feels motivated to prove critics wrong.
Context of the Criticism
The tension between Wakelin and Hendry escalated recently during an episode of Hendry’s “Cue Tips” YouTube series. In this episode, Hendry discussed various players, including Zhao Xintong and Liam Highfield. He classified Wakelin as a lesser seed, admitting he had not watched Pullen play yet still predicting a win for him over Wakelin. This added fuel to Wakelin’s sentiments about being undervalued.
Previous Encounters
This rivalry isn’t new; Wakelin reminisced about a past encounter with Hendry during the British Open qualifiers in 2021. “When I played him a few years ago, I thought I’d have a little dig,” he recalled. Despite his playful barbs, he maintains profound respect for Hendry’s illustrious career.
Mutual Respect Despite Rivalry
Wakelin emphasized admiration for Hendry’s accomplishments, noting, “I’ve got a massive amount of respect for anyone who’s ever won a tournament in this game.” He acknowledged the difficulty of snooker and the extraordinary nature of Hendry’s achievements. However, he feels there is a disparity in how Hendry regards his own talent.
Looking Ahead
As the championship progresses, Wakelin made a humorous prediction regarding fellow competitor Ronnie O’Sullivan. He suggested it would be amusing to witness Hendry’s reaction if O’Sullivan were to break Hendry’s record by winning an eighth world title. “I’d be at the front of the queue to congratulate Ronnie,” he concluded.
Conclusion
Wakelin’s journey in the 2026 World Snooker Championship, marked by his victory and playful exchanges with Hendry, showcases the competitive spirit of the sport. With respect for tradition and the legends of the game, he continues to carve his path while engaging in this intriguing rivalry with one of the sport’s greats.
