What does Stephen Hendry suffer from?

Asked by: Joanne Mraz  |  Last update: April 10, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (47 votes)

Stephen Hendry suffers from a condition known as "the yips," which significantly impacted his snooker game, causing involuntary twitches and a loss of confidence, preventing his body from performing shots his brain knew how to execute, ultimately contributing to his retirement. It's a mental block affecting fine motor skills, where nerves stop him from following through on his cue, even on simple shots, and he described it as a "horrible" handicap that sapped his belief and control.

What illness does STEPHEN HENDRY have?

Some people don't see it but it's horrible and that's why I retired.” The yips are involuntary wrist spasms that occur most commonly when golfers are trying to putt. However, the yips also can affect people who play other sports where small movements are critical, including snooker, cricket, darts and baseball.

Who is the disgraced snooker star?

The most prominent "disgraced snooker star" is Stephen Lee, banned for 12 years for match-fixing (2013-2025) but recently returning to win an amateur tournament in the US, while other major figures like Liang Wenbo and Li Hang received lifetime bans in a separate 2023 scandal involving Chinese players, and Zhao Xintong was suspended but has since returned. These players became infamous due to corruption involving betting, with Lee's case stemming from 2008-2009 matches and the Chinese scandal involving multiple players in match manipulation.
 

Why did STEPHEN HENDRY stop playing?

However, after losing 2–13 to Maguire in the quarter-finals, Hendry announced his retirement from professional snooker at the age of 43, citing dissatisfaction with his standard of play and difficulty balancing competitive, commercial, and personal commitments.

Has STEPHEN HENDRY left his wife?

One aspect of Hendry's life that has been widely reported is his divorce from Mandy over a decade ago, after nearly 20 years of marriage. Hendry, now 57, subsequently fell for Lauren, a children's performer and actress, who is 20 years his junior.

Was Stephen Hendry REALLY That Good?

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Did Jane leave Stephen for Jonathan?

She felt compelled to obtain a PhD to have her own academic identity within the University of Cambridge. Jane and Stephen Hawking separated in 1990, and divorced five years later. In 1997, she married musician Jonathan Hellyer Jones.

Why did Ronnie walk out on Stephen Hendry?

He added: “I had a lot going on off the table at home and I wasn't in the right frame of mind to play. I'd nearly done it in a few matches before. “You were 4-1 up and I thought 'I can't take this, I need to get out of here'. “My head just wasn't right for playing.

Which snooker players don't like each other?

They have met twice in a World Championship final, with O'Sullivan getting the better of Carter in both 2008 and 2012, but it is in recent years that their relationship has really soured.

Is snooker declining in popularity?

Snooker's global audience has also skyrocketed. That is partly down to growing interest in Europe, following the victory of Belgium's Luca Brecel in the 2022 World Championships. China, too, is increasingly attracted to the game, with the People's Republic hosting as many as 60 million active players.

Did Ray Reardon pass away?

The Welsh Open trophy was renamed the Ray Reardon Trophy in his honour, starting with the 2017 edition of the tournament. Reardon died of cancer on 19 July 2024, at the age of 91.

How did Willie Thorne lose his money?

Former snooker player Willie Thorne was declared bankrupt due to a long-standing gambling addiction, accumulating debts of £601,000. Thorne had borrowed approximately £1 million from friends over two years, falsely claiming the money was for cash-flow issues, with no intention or means to repay it.

Why doesn't Ali Carter like Ronnie O'Sullivan?

Ali Carter finds it impossible to have a friendship with Ronnie O'Sullivan because he feels his fellow Essex professional "gets out of bed differently every day" in his latest frank assessment of their feisty 24-year rivalry.

Is Stephen Hendry still married to Mandy Tart?

The Scottish potter met ex-wife Amanda Tart at Pontins when he was just 16 and they married in 1995. They had two sons together but went their separate ways in 2014. Hendry wrote: "Driving back from a shopping trip, my wife Mandy asks me what's wrong. She assumes it's money-related.

What were Stephen Hawking's last words before he died?

Stephen Hawking's "last words" aren't a single phrase but a collection of final messages, including his posthumously published book Brief Answers to the Big Questions and a final message beamed into space urging humanity to "Be brave, be determined. Overcome the odds". His final words often emphasized hope, unity, and the scientific pursuit of understanding, concluding that the universe is governed by natural laws, not divine intervention, and that we must cherish our brief time and work together. 

Did Ray Reardon have children?

The couple had two children, Darren and Melanie, before divorcing in 1986. Reardon told Daily Mirror reporters that Sue had been “fully informed” of his eight-year affair with Carol Covington, whom he married in 1987.

Who is the most naturally gifted snooker player?

Ronnie O'Sullivan's Biography

He is considered by many fellow players, pundits and fans, to be the most naturally gifted player ever to grace snooker, a “genius”. Seven times World Champion and most commercially successful ever player Stephen Hendry has repeatedly branded him as the best player in the game.

Are snooker players drug tested?

1 All Players who are subject to these Rules must make themselves available for and must submit to Doping Control (urine and/or blood) at any time (whether In- Competition or Out-of-Competition, with notice or with No Advance Notice) pursuant to these Rules, whether in the UK or overseas.

Who is the disgraced snooker player?

The disgraced star was banned from professional matches for 12 years after being found guilty of match fixing. Disgraced snooker star Stephen Lee who was banned from professional matches for more than a decade over match fixing has won his first tournament upon his return to the sport.

Did Ronnie O Sullivan concedes to Stephen Hendry?

Trailing Hendry 4–1 in their best-of-17-frames quarter-final at the 2006 UK Championship, he abruptly conceded the match during the sixth frame and left the arena. Hendry was awarded the match 9–1 and O'Sullivan was fined £20,800 over the incident.

Who is considered the best snooker player of all time?

Ronnie 'The Rocket' O'Sullivan is widely regarded as the modern star of the game and one of the most naturally gifted players of all time. He is the holder of seven World Championships, six Masters titles and five UK Championships and he's not slowing down yet.

Is Phil Vickery still with Fern's best friend?

The former This Morning presenter and TV chef announced their intention to divorce in 2020, with Phil since moving on with Fern's former friend. While the pair share daughter Winnie together, it looks like relations between the pair are still frosty, with Fern confessing that the two no longer speak.

What illness does Kyren Wilson's wife have?

Sophie, who suffers from epilepsy, had a silent stroke, while son Bailey was "really ill" and also had a "nasty accident" at school that required numerous hospital visits.

Which snooker player left his wife?

Snooker legend Stephen Hendry opened up on his divorce from wife Mandy after almost 20 years of marriage and falling for Lauren Thundow.