Mark Allen has revealed what he believes to be the real reason behind Stephen Hendry's retirement from snooker - claiming the seven-time world champion simply "didn't like losing too much."
This contrasts with Hendry's own explanation that a wrist condition forced him to step away from the sport last year.
It marks the second time Hendry has retired, having initially stepped down in 2012 before making a brief comeback in 2020.
Allen offered candid insights into Hendry's competitive nature, drawing from his own experiences in the sport.
Stephen Hendry retired from snooker for a second time last year
PA
"Stephen retired because he didn't like losing too much. I've had enough moments over the years where I've probably come across a really bad loser," Allen said.
He showed understanding for post-match emotions, adding: "Sometimes it's the heat of the moment, we're not bad people. You stick a camera in front of you just when you've had a really hard defeat, sometimes it's hard to say the right things."
Allen also revealed he had spent time with Hendry early in his career through their shared management company.
Mark Allen has revealed what he believes to be the real reason behind Stephen Hendry's retirement from snooker - claiming the seven-time world champion simply "didn't like losing too much"
PA
"Stephen was the one for me, he was winning everything," Allen said of his childhood idol.
"I got to spend a bit of time with him when I first turned pro because we were both with the same management company at the time.
"That was really good, you're sitting having dinner with an all-time great and it was class for me just picking his brain."
Hendry himself has been open about his struggles that led to retirement.
"Let's be honest, I wasn't pulling up any trees, was I?" Hendry admitted.
The Scot explained his physical challenges: "I know the game inside out, I still know all the shots, but unfortunately the body is not performing like my brain wants it to."
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"If I didn't have the yips and I could play, I would still play. I can't go through the ball properly and I can't wait at the back."
Allen is currently focused on securing his first World Championship title this May.
Snooker legend Stephen Hendry admitted he 'wasn't pulling up any trees' upon retiring last year
PA
The world number eight's immediate form has hit a setback, however, after being knocked out of the Welsh Open.
He suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat to Sijun Yuan in the second round of the tournament on Wednesday.
