Stephen Hendry suffered his first ever session whitewash at the 888.com World Championships as Ronnie O’Sullivan won all eight frames to open up a 12-4 lead in their semi-final clash at the Crucible Theatre.

Stephen Hendry was today battling to avoid a second first-round exit in three years from the 888.com World Championships in Sheffield.

Qualifier Mark Selby will today have to produce the greatest comeback in the final of the 888.com World Championships to deny John Higgins a second crown.

Qualifier Mark Selby has already won one battle with Shaun Murphy – whatever the outcome of their semi-final clash in the 888.com World Championships in Sheffield.

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s former coach Del Hill has leapt to the defence of The Rocket after his tip controversy rocked the 888.com World Championships and insisted: “He is no cheat.”