Davis: Hendry should be knighted

Steve Davis yesterday supported calls for Stephen Hendry to be knighted after the seven-time world champion called time on his glittering career.

At the age of 43, Hendry is giving up snooker in favour of a lucrative contract to promote pool in China, reaching the verdict he could not juggle business commitments with a sporting career and a family life.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn admitted the growing number of tournaments on tour had forced Hendry to quit, saying: “In many ways I suppose I’ve retired Stephen Hendry, which I don’t feel proud of. But this sport is much more important than an individual.”