IT’S NOT THE HEND

White’s nemesis Hendry pleads with the Whirlwind not to quit the game he loves after ending his Crucible dream

Seven-time Crucible king Hendry claimed the first victory of his comeback, after nine years retired, against his old rival in a World Championship qualifier on Monday.

The 52-year-old stands three more wins away from a sensational return to the Sheffield venue that staged all his greatest triumphs.

And after doing more than anyone to deny White (left) a world title by beating him in four finals in the early 1990s, Hendry’s win looks set to boot the Whirlwind off tour after 41 seasons.

White, for decades the

People’s Champion, was desolate after an errorstrewn display and has been considering his future.

The 58-year-old, who if results go against him will be left praying for a wild-card from snooker supremo Barry Hearn, said: “I’ll have to wait and see how other results go, then I’ll make a decision.

“That was such a horrendous performance, really frustrating. I am so disappointed at how badly I played, I can’t think about what I am going to do.”

But Hendry (right), now a close friend and practice partner, said: “Jimmy should keep playing, he loves the game so much. If I was to give him any advice at all, it would be to try to enjoy it.

“He puts so much pressure on himself. Confidence is good, but coming out and saying you can still win the World Championship...

“When I ended my career I faced the fact I couldn’t play. So he needs to take the pressure off himself, to not look at results, to not think he can win tournaments.

“If he does get a wild-card my advice would be to keep playing but take the intensity level off a little.”

Hendry, though, hopes his own game will improve. He added: “It was very slow against Jimmy and that is not the way I play.

“I hope that is not the new Stephen Hendry because my comeback won’t last long if it continues.”

The Scot, who today meets China’s Xu Si, added: “I am working on stuff technically but trying hard not to have technical thoughts on the shot. That will not be my usual pace because I wouldn’t want to watch that.

“If that continues I’ll be out the door.”