By Chris Charles

Shall we give him his cue back, lads?

Stephen Hendry is in mourning after his favourite cue was turned into a "shepherd's crook" on a bumpy flight from Thailand.

The snooker star was in almost as many pieces as the prized stick that helped him win seven world titles.

It is difficult to put a price on the treasured cue, but it's fair to say Hendry would give his right arm to have it back in its original state.

Hendry's cue crisis

The Scot is not the only sportsmen who treats a piece of equipment like an old friend.

Steve Waugh and the Baggy Green
Remember Linus from Peanuts and his scruffy old security blanket? Nuff said.

The Australian captain has worn the same tattered old cloth cap for 18 years and isn't about to hang it up just yet.

If the cap fits...

The only concession he made was to have a new peak fitted after 152 Tests, despite accusations from Aussie old boys that it looked "bloody terrible".

They were soon told where to go, although it must be said there was a stage when Waugh's form looked just as frayed as his headgear.

Biggio's filthy helmet
Baseball star Craig Biggio refuses to have his batting helmet cleaned...at any stage during the season!

As the months drag on, the second baseman for Houston Astros steps up to the plate looking like he's just clambered out of the trenches.

But as long as he keeps hitting the ball cleanly, you won't find anyone in Houston complaining.

No yer can't 'f*****' 'ave this one Jack

Jack's hat
Eccentric Jack Russell is never far from his most treasured possessions - an old floppy hat and a set of paintbrushes.

But the former England wicket-keeper must be doing something right - his fashion sense has been copied by a host of style icons, including mouthy Manc Liam Gallagher.

Mind you, it's fair to say Jack has always been mad for it.

Todorov's boots
When Bulgarian striker Svetoslav Todorov first came to England, he was all set to sign for Preston North End.

Sadly, his precious lucky boots got lost on the flight and he was forced to borrow a pair for his first game.

The poor lad had an absolute shocker and was promptly ditched by then-Preston boss David Moyes.

To put the tin lid on it, Todorov was unable to walk for a week, but then became reunited with his boots and enjoyed transfers to West Ham and Portsmouth.