Stephen Hendry, seven-time World Snooker Champion, has advised 20-year-old British player Stan Moody to maintain his composure against different playing styles and to draw on his personal experiences in this regard. Moody, who has recently reached the world ranking of 39, is currently gaining attention for his progress in the sport.
Moody's Progress in Snooker
Moody recently reached the semifinals of the British Open, defeating Zhang Anda in the first round and four-time world champion John Higgins 4-2 along the way. However, he lost to Liam Highfield 5-2 in the quarterfinals, and Hendry believes that Moody's attitude in that match hurt him.
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Hendry said on the Snooker Club podcast: 'I wasn't pleased with his attitude in the match he lost to Highfield. I don't know if Highfield's pace affected him or not, but every time the camera went to him in his seat, his body language wasn't good.'
Need for a Change in Attitude
While Hendry is interested in some of Moody's personality traits, he emphasizes that Moody needs to improve his mindset when things are not going his way. Hendry said: 'He needs to understand that other players have the right to play their way. It's just you and the table here, and you have to forget about how your opponent plays.'
Hendry also referenced his own experiences in his youth, recalling how he felt frustrated against older players who had a more defensive style. He said: 'I turned professional at 16 as well and played against Rex Williams. When I beat him, I felt in my seat that this game was boring, and I didn't understand why he played that way.'
Hendry noted that one must quickly move away from this mindset and respect the abilities of opponents. He added: 'These players are here for a reason; they are very good players. It doesn't matter that they play the game differently; they are still great snooker players, and you have to find a way to beat them.'
Liam Davis and Future Stars
Meanwhile, Liam Davis, another 20-year-old British player, is also making progress with his outstanding performances. Davis has managed to achieve high rankings this season by defeating players like Ding Junhui and Gary Wilson.
Hendry was particularly impressed by Davis's 4-1 victory over Barry Hawkins at the British Open, stating: 'He showed how to play with his flawless appearance and brilliant ball control. This can create a kind of fear and lack of confidence for opponents.'
Davis will play against Fan Zhengyi in the qualifying round of the Northern Ireland Open on Tuesday and will then face Anthony McGill in an attempt to qualify for the International Championship. Moody is also looking to qualify for the same tournament and will face Yao Pengcheng on Wednesday.
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