STEPHEN HENDRY will face his ex-wife’s nephew as he attempts a return to the Crucible in the pro ranks.
The seven-time world snooker champion – who has won only ONE frame in three matches this season – plays James Cahill in the first of four rounds of World Championship qualifying.
Discounting his displays at senior level, his last appearance at the mecca of top-level snooker was a quarterfinal run in 2012.
Scottish cueist Hendry, 54, was married for 19 years to Cahill’s auntie Mandy – the mother of his two children – until 2014 when he left her for a younger woman and they went through a messy divorce.
Cahill – who famously knocked out Ronnie O’Sullivan from the 2019 Worlds – has previously said Hendry “didn’t seem interested” in helping him on the baize while growing up.
Speaking after yesterday’s draw, Blackpool star Cahill, 27, said: “He didn’t have anything to do with my coaching.
“I did have a few practice sessions with him when I was maybe 14 or 15. I’m glad he is not as good as he used to be!
“But that’s joking – seriously, he can clearly still play and knows all the shots. I’ll have to play very well to beat him.
“I’m never bothered who I play, it’s how I play. I have shown that I can beat top players. I am confident in any game if I am playing well.”
Irishman Ken Doherty, the 1997 world champion, has been drawn against 12-time women’s world champion Reanne Evans in next month’s qualifying event in Sheffield.
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Jimmy White, 60, will take on the winner of Hong Kong’s Marco Fu or Englishman Martin O’Donnell in the second stage of qualifying.
The Whirlwind – who recently beat world No 5 Judd Trump – last played in the main draw of the Crucible in 2006.
Three 16-year-olds – England’s Stan Moody, Wales’ Liam Davies and Bulcsu Revesz from Hungary – will try to make it through the 32-player first round.
The 17-day snooker world championship will begin on Saturday April 15.
