Stephen Hendry Loses at the Crucible

Stephen Hendry has bowed out of the 2019 World Seniors Championship after a 3-1 loss to Darren Morgan in Sheffield on Saturday.

The seven-time world champion was bidding to make the semi-finals for the third time but couldn’t build on his dramatic victory over Tony Drago a day earlier.

Morgan, the 2011 world seniors champion, lost the opening frame but took the next three close exchanges in succession to remain in the hunt for glory at the Crucible Theatre.

The Welshman has become a specialist in over 40 events in the latter stages of his career, especially on the international amateur scene, so will surely fancy his chances of etching his name onto the silverware on Sunday.

For Hendry, his fairly miserable record on the World Seniors Snooker Tour continues with the 50 year-old still searching for a maiden final berth.

Defeat for the former world number one, who retired professionally at the iconic venue in 2012, meant that a mouthwatering title deciding encounter with Jimmy White was dashed.

The latter had earlier come through a turgid tussle with qualifier Stuart Watson in a clash that went the distance.

There wasn’t much quality on display as both players struggled for rhythm and confidence.

Watson, who beat Dennis Taylor in the previous round, appeared set for a major upset when he established a 2-1 advantage but nerves got the better of the Englishman with the winning line in sight.

In the end, the 2010 champion fell across the line and he’ll need to raise his level significantly if he’s to add to his record haul of four titles on the seniors tour.

White will face a familiar foe in James Wattana in the last four after the Thai compiled breaks of 64, 54, and 51 to overcome Chen Gang.

In a repeat of their 1993 World Championship semi-final battle, White and Wattana will face off again in Sheffield with a place in a final at stake.

Morgan, meanwhile, entertains Ireland’s Leo Fernandez in an even looking fixture on paper.

Fernandez has looked sharp so far in this tournament and came through a tough test against reigning champion Aaron Canavan on Saturday.

Live coverage is on FreeSports (IRE&UK) and Facebook.

Click here to view the draw (Times: CET)

Gutted! 😢

— Margie Esson (@keredrose) August 17, 2019