Snooker: Hendry goes on the attack over McKenzie's dismissal

Stephen Hendry has joined in the criticism of the sport's governing body over the dismissal of its chief executive, Jim McKenzie.

Hendry, the world No 1 and six-times world champion, has been angered by the action of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

The player's manager, Ian Doyle, has called for the resignation of Rex Williams, the chairman of the WPBSA, plus directors Bob Close and Jim Meadowcroft. He warned of the possibility of a breakaway organisation being formed unless McKenzie is reinstated.

But it was the verbal attack from Hendry that will take many by surprise. He usually leaves the vitriol to Doyle.

"We removed one board who were not in tune with the modern business demands and now we seem to be in a similar position," Hendry said.

"I know Jim McKenzie well and he has taken the game into a modern phase. As a players' association we respect Jim McKenzie a lot and as far as I know we are 100 per cent behind him.

"It's the players who vote the board in and the players must have a say in what's happening. It's our sport, our livelihood and it's about time we all began to take a proper interest. I hope the others feel the same way as me."

McKenzie, who was sacked on Monday five months after taking office, claimed he been been given "no opportunity to respond to any criticism the Board may have of my performance".

Doyle called the decision "disgraceful" and will seek to replace Williams, Close and Meadowcroft at a special meeting likely to take place later this month.