Stephen Hendry urges World Championship caution

SNOOKER'S greatest-ever player yesterday claimed that tampering with the format for the World Championship would be a massive setback for the sport.

Stephen Hendry, a seven-time winner at The Crucible, is opposed to a shortening of snooker's premier event, which will take place over 17 days next month.

Reigning world champion John Higgins recently suggested that the final could be played over a day. But Hendry says the World Championship is special – and should remain so.

"The World Championship is the true test of a player, of his ability, his temperament and ultimately his standing in the game at that time," he told 110sport TV. "In the past, I might have considered making changes, but that was at a time when there were more events than there are today. But if it isn't broken, why fix it?

"The world championship should stand alone.

I wouldn't like to see the format tampered with. I think there is scope to try different things with different tournaments. You only have to look at the ticket sales. It is the only tournament that is sold out from start to finish. The fans love it, the players love it and it has a massive TV audience."

Hendry is in Beijing for the Sanyuan Foods China Open next week and needs to have a decent run of form ahead of Sheffield.