Snooker chiefs were blasted after Stephen Hendry 's opponent was given a bye following the Scot's withdrawal from UK Championship qualifying.
Seven-time world champion Hendry was scheduled to play Welshman Andrew Pagett in the first qualifying round for the Triple Crown event on Saturday. But he has now pulled out citing punditry commitments as he is part of the ITV team at this week's prestigious Champion of Champions tournament in Bolton.
“Just a quick explanation as to why I had to pull out of UK qualifier," Hendry wrote on Twitter. “They scheduled my matches for this weekend when I’m working at the COC for ITV." Hendry's latest absence has frustrated some fans who believe the Scot is not taking advantage of being offered a second wildcard by snooker bosses.
