Snooker: Hendry goes on the attack over McKenzie's dismissal

Wednesday 03 December 1997 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Stephen Hendry has joined in the criticism of the sport's governing body over the dismissal of its chief executive, Jim McKenzie.

Hendry, the world No 1 and six-times world champion, has been angered by the action of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

The player's manager, Ian Doyle, has called for the resignation of Rex Williams, the chairman of the WPBSA, plus directors Bob Close and Jim Meadowcroft. He warned of the possibility of a breakaway organisation being formed unless McKenzie is reinstated.

But it was the verbal attack from Hendry that will take many by surprise. He usually leaves the vitriol to Doyle.

"We removed one board who were not in tune with the modern business demands and now we seem to be in a similar position," Hendry said.

"I know Jim McKenzie well and he has taken the game into a modern phase. As a players' association we respect Jim McKenzie a lot and as far as I know we are 100 per cent behind him.

"It's the players who vote the board in and the players must have a say in what's happening. It's our sport, our livelihood and it's about time we all began to take a proper interest. I hope the others feel the same way as me."

McKenzie, who was sacked on Monday five months after taking office, claimed he been been given "no opportunity to respond to any criticism the Board may have of my performance".

Doyle called the decision "disgraceful" and will seek to replace Williams, Close and Meadowcroft at a special meeting likely to take place later this month.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in