TEEN ZONE
A T-Zone Interview

Stephen Hendry kindly offered to answer questions from Duane. Here's the interview. . .

Hi Duane,

Like you I'm using someone elses computer ... or at least I'm reading the questions on someone elses computer. It's no use kidding you here Stewart is the one who has typed this because I'd take ages! But I hope my answers might interest you.

Who's the hardest player you've ever faced?
When I first started out it was Steve Davis. He just knew so much more about the game and how to play. The best thing that happened to me was that Ian Doyle set up a series of challenge matches in Scotland with me up against Steve who was world champion then. Six nights, six different venues around the country. Lets just say the end result wasn't even close. But I learned so much from being thumped every night.

These days they are all tough! But Ronnie when he's on song has to be the hardest because he can just pot balls and make tons from any position.

Who is your biggest idol?
I admire those who have got to the top and strived to get better. Tiger Woods and Michael Schumacher are the best examples of that and have to be admired for being out and out winners. In snooker it was always Jimmy White, just because of the way he played the game. But I knew that if I wanted to win then I'd have to base my game more on Steve Davis ... less the ginger hair!

At school what was your favourite subject?
The bell at 4 o'clock! I didn't have a favourite subject. School was school.

How did you first get into playing snooker?
Santa Clause brought me a table for Christmas one year and that was it. I didn't even ask for one! but maybe he knew something I didn't!

How often do you practice?
I still practice six hours a day, maybe a bit less around tournament time. I've done that since I first started as a professional although these days I might only do it for three or four hours depending on how I feel or how I'm playing. No use grinding yourself into the table when it isn't happening for you. That just makes you try harder and the disappointment is greater.

Do you like computer games, and if so what is your favourite game at the moment?
I've never really been into computer games; especially the snooker one! Blaine (my eldest son) has the usual collection (most of them in the car) and occasionally I'll play him, and cheat like hell so I win!

Have you ever been in hospital for an operation, or know someone who's close to you who has?
Yes, me. I had an operation last summer that not many people knew about at the time. Thankfully, everything turned out okay.

How do you manage to look so relaxed while you're playing, and is snooker as easy as you make it look?
Everyone else tells me I look serious. When you are playing well then you almost go on to automatic pilot and maybe that gives you the impression that I'm relaxed. There is nothing relaxing about being in a world final or being on the 14 th or 15 th red on your way to a 147 maximum.

Was there lots of pressure becoming famous at such a young age?
No, not really because all I was interested in was playing snooker. My manager, Ian Doyle, protected me a lot from the media and the press and kept my feet on the ground. All that changed through when I won the world championship for the first time, then everyone wanted a piece of you.

What car do you drive?
I drive a 4.8 litre BMW X5 SE

Do you get annoyed when people haggle you for autographs as you go about you daily routine?
Usually I don't have to worry about that because if I'm out and about at tournaments or functions then people are usually kept at a distance. But it doesn't bother me when people ask for your autograph or want to speak to you, it's when they don't do that then you have to worry!

I really want to become a brilliant snooker player like you, how can I achieve this?
I think so much of it is down to natural talent. But you can work at things. The main things are to get your cue action working so that no matter the shot, it's the same every time. Also understand what happens to the cue ball when you put spin, or trace, or side on it. Control the cue ball and you can make yourself look a good player.

If I was in a film I'd like to be Darth Vadar because he strikes fear into everyone in his presence. If you were in a film who would you like to be and why?

Good question. I think I'd like to be a mixture of a few of Jim Carey's characters because of the things he gets away with. I think I'd also like to be Steve McQueen in the Cincinnati Kid - but win!

Thanks again, Duane.
Thank You Duane, and thanks for the question. Hope everything is well with you

Stephen

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Updated Oct05