Stephen Hendry. -Photo by AP

SHEFFIELD: Seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry announced his retirement here on Tuesday after losing in the quarter-finals at the world championships.

The 43-year-old snooker legend bowed out after a 13-2 defeat to fellow Scot Stephen Maguire.

Hendry said: “I am officially retired now from tournament snooker. I made the decision about three months ago.”

He added: “I didn’t tell many people. I only told two or three people, but this is me finished from tournament snooker.

“It was quite an easy decision. There’s a few reasons. The schedule didn’t help. The fact that I’m not playing the snooker I want to play didn’t help. The fact I’m not enjoying practice doesn’t help.

“I want to do other things. I’ve got a lot of commitments now in China, which I’ve signed up for and I can’t do that and play snooker because I would never be at home.”

This was Hendry’s 27th consecutive appearance at the world championships, having lost to Willie Thorne on his debut in 1986.

He was champion of the world in 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1999, reaching further finals in 1997 and 2002.

Reflecting on his favourite Crucible memories, Hendry said: “I’ve had so many it’s hard to pinpoint special ones. My first win here, obviously the seventh world title, making maximums, I could write a book on the memories I’ve had here.”

He insisted it was not time to shed a tear.

“No, not really. I’ve never been the most emotional person even when I win.

“It’s sad that I won’t play here again. I love playing here, but no, it’s a relief as much as anything.”