Peking University, May 23, 2014: "I've admired Peking University for a long time. I'm pleasantly surprised to hear that over twenty billiard tables are provided here, which makes me more excited," said Stephen Hendry.
 

On May 19th, the world-renowned "Billiards Emperor" came to PKU to share the story of his playing career and his dream of charity in Wu-si Sports Center.

Hendry's visit is one of the serial events of the 11th PKU International Cultural Festival (ICF) 2014. Julien Gaudfroy, the famous bilingual host and ICF's old friend also participated as the host and interpreter, getting to know billiards and Hendry together with PKU teachers and students.

"I know the position of Peking University in the educational circle worldwide. It's an honor to stand here and communicate with PKU students face-to-face." Hendry's opening speech led a relaxed atmosphere of this activity.

He talked about a variety of subjects from details of life to his spiritual journey of winning seven World Championships. Hendry and PKU students launched an impressive exchange of ideas during the activity. The remarkable questions raised by students left a deep impression on Hendry. And Hendry's plain but sensible answers also manifested the wise and gentle side of his personality outside the world of billiards.

After Q&A session, Hendry played billiards with top billiard players of PKU. Though Hendry moderately said that Chinese eight-ball was the biggest challenge to him, audience still marveled at his consummate billiard skills.

"Billiards Emperor" and "The King of Crucible", Stephen Hendry has been regarded as the greatest snooker player ever since. He has won seven World Championships during his professional career, which no one ever surpasses.

Hendry left professional billiard circle two years ago, and began to take on "Chinese eight-ball international image ambassador". Hendry started his Chinese journey this time as a charity ambassador, aiming at promoting intercultural communication and realizing the dream of charity.

This activity was held by Office of International Relations and Department of Physical Education of PKU, and co-organized by Warm Companion Charity Group and PKU Billiard Association.

Extended Reading:
PKU International Cultural Festival was set up in 2004, as an intercultural platform aiming at showing culture fascination of different countries as well as promoting culture understanding and communication. Chinese and foreign students in PKU are the main participates of the festival, which has become an annual distinguished event. And the theme of this year's ICF is: New Start, New Dream, New World.

Written by: Li Ruiqi
Source: PKU English News

Updated by: June 10,2014