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Snooker legend Stephen Hendry slammed for live TV confession as fans say ‘would be nice if he’d done his homework’
Scottish sporting icon turned pundit divides opinion over his lack of research
SHOCKED viewers have told snooker legend Stephen Hendry to do his "homework" after he made an incredible confession on live TV.
The seven-time world champ admitted he had never seen women's world title holder Baipat Siripaporn play - even though she is preparing for an historic debut in this week's Champion of Champions tournament.
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ITV presenter Jill Douglas let out "Oh, come on, Stephen!" when the Scot revealed he was in the dark about the Thai star ahead of her clash with Judd Trump at Bolton on Thursday.
Hendry still felt able to insist that Siripaporn, 24, has no chance against the in-form ex-men's world champion.
Some viewers responded by describing the 54-year-old as "unprofessional" and a "slacker" for not at least watching clips of her play.
But others argued "at least he was honest".
Douglas began the exchange by saying to Hendry: "Great to have her included. How impressed have you been with her play?"
He replied: "I have to be honest, I've never seen her play."
Douglas cut in to reveal her surprise before Hendry added: "She's playing Judd Trump. Look, she's not going to beat him, she might not even win a frame.
"But what an experience to be in this prestigious event and against such a player."
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One armchair observer posted: "Think it's unprofessional to turn up and not do any homework. Surely you'd go on YouTube and watch some play and look at her results before or similar.
"ITV should make sure all analysts do some research, before appearing on TV."
Another wrote: "Good on Jill, I say... Pundits should be expected to have seen people play, especially when they know they're going to be in a particular event."
And a third argued: "On one hand there’s probably a load of low ranked players he’s never seen play and who he wouldn’t have expected to see in this event. On the other, it wouldn’t have taken long to watch a YouTube compilation or something since he’s being paid to talk about her. "
But an alternative group of snooker fans were more relaxed about Hendry's lack of research.
One said: "To be honest, it doesn't bother me when a pundit says this.
"I'd rather they be honest than just go with a standard answer like 'good/talented player'... which probably means the same thing, they're just lying about it... Be nice if he did his homework, but not a necessity for me."
But the 1990s' cue icon might be in two minds about this verdict: "I don't mind that Stephen Hendry doesn't take his job too seriously. He's earned the right to be a slacker."
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