World Snooker Championship 2026: Chris Wakelin Hits Out at Biggest Critic Stephen Hendry

Following his 10-6 first-round victory over Liam Pullen at the World Snooker Championship 2026, Chris Wakelin didn’t hold back as he aimed a cheeky dig at seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry.

Entering the tournament as a top-16 seed for the first time, Wakelin believes he has long been overlooked by one of the sport’s greatest voices, particularly when it comes to punditry.

“Someone who doesn't rate me at all is Stephen Hendry,” Wakelin began.

“Every single players' event, whenever I'm playing a match on TV, he always says the other guy is going to win. I laugh about it every time and it gives me a lot of pleasure to just go out there and do my thing.”

“He obviously doesn't rate me at all because I'm not world number one or world champion, but it's my job just to go out there and focus on my game. You're always going to have critics in this sport as you do in every sport so it doesn't surprise me in the slightest.”

“Even on his YouTube the other day, which I'm a big fan of and watch it every week, he said on there that he fancied Liam Pullen to beat me, and in the next breath he said I've never seen him play before. Whatever.”

Cue Tips Comments Add Fuel

For context, the remarks stem from a recent episode of Hendry’s “Cue Tips” YouTube series alongside Steve Davis.

Ahead of the tournament, Hendry discussed Zhao Xintong’s draw against Liam Highfield and questioned whether Highfield might have preferred facing a "lesser" seed, using Wakelin as an example.

Later in the same episode, Davis tipped Pullen as a potential dark horse, while Hendry admitted he had not seen the youngster play, adding further weight to Wakelin’s frustrations.

A Long-Running Rivalry

Wakelin also revealed this isn’t the first time he’s exchanged playful barbs with Hendry, recalling their meeting during the Scot’s brief return to the tour in 2021.

“When I played him a few years ago [British Open qualifiers in 2021, Wakelin lost 3-2] everyone was ringing me up before and saying oh you're playing him, he's come back, I thought I'd have a little dig so when they asked me, are you looking forward to playing a seven-time world champion and legend, I said I was a bit young to remember when he was at his best but my mum was a huge fan - and then he beat me!” Wakelin joked.

Despite the jibes, Wakelin made it clear there is still deep respect for Hendry’s achievements in the sport.

“I've got a massive amount of respect for anyone who's ever won a tournament in this game, it's so difficult. Stephen being a seven-time world champion I've got nothing but admiration for the guy but he clearly doesn't think I'm any good.”

Backing Ronnie to Break the Record

Wakelin signed off his post-match interview with another humorous swipe, this time at the prospect of Ronnie O'Sullivan surpassing Hendry’s Crucible record with an eighth world title.

“Oh yeah, just to see his face at the end. They'll definitely stick him on commentary for the final session of the final. It will be a long time coming and it would be quite funny. I'd be at the front of the queue to congratulate Ronnie,” Wakelin told SportsBoom.co.uk.

The irony in the whole debate isn’t lost on anyone, though. Wakelin’s most recent ranking title came at the Scottish Open, an event named after none other than Hendry himself. 

So while the seven-time world champion may be one of his harshest critics in the punditry seat, it’s Hendry’s own tournament that Wakelin has already conquered, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their ongoing back-and-forth.