ELLIOT SLESSOR enjoyed a huge career milestone with his first win in the main stages of the UK Championship – but his main concern appears to be what a commentator had to say about him.
Slessor beat Kyren Wilson 6-4 on Tuesday evening at the Barbican to reach the last 16 of the tournament for the first time ever.
It’s been a bit of a breakout season for the 31-year-old, who reached the semi-finals of the Saudi Arabia Masters and the quarters at the English Open as he continues his hunt for a first ranking title.
Stephen Hendry, a former seven-time world champion who retired for the second time last year, now works as a commentator for the BBC.
It would appear as though Slessor went back and watched his victory because he had some choice words to say about Hendry’s coverage.
He said: “Clearly does his research,” [three crying laughing emojis].
“Never gave me a licking of a dog all night. I’ve had more comments about him than my game.
“Conditions were brutal, he took none of that into accord and hammered me. Anyways best of luck to him, unless you’ve won a World [Championship] or [you’re] a Chinese player he has no clue who you are.”
In fairness, Hendry did admit before the game that he has not watched a great deal of Slessor in the past.
Asked by John Parrott if he had seen much of the 31-year-old Slessor, Hendry said: “I actually haven’t. I have to admit. But I hear a lot of good things.”
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Slessor’s next task is Barry Hawkins in the last 16 on Thursday night, admitting that his win over Wilson was not a thing of beauty, but he got what he came for.
Slessor told TNT Sports: “Delighted to win. It was a struggle, just hard work, just battled and stuck in there, but delighted to win. I came to win and I won, so can’t grumble.”
The Gateshead-born star is currently 21st in the world and clearly heading in the right direction, so maybe Hendry will become more familiar with his work.
Hendry was world number one for a record consecutive eight seasons in his prime and is a bonafide legend of the sport.
Slessor has now put the pressure on for the Scot to reach the same levels in the commentary booth next time he’s in action.
