Hendry caught in the eye of a Thai storm

STEPHEN HENDRY was caught in the eye of a Thai storm on and off the table during the Asia/World Challenge in Bangkok.

The seven-times world champion slumped to a 3-0 defeat against local favourite Atthasit Mahitthi.

But play was nearly suspended as a violent thunderstorm plunged parts of the city into darkness.

Indeed, Ken Doherty’s group game against Hong Kong-born stable-mate Marco Fu did not escape so lightly.

The pair completed the first three frames before the Bec Tero Stadium venue suffered a powercut. The game was delayed for 40 minutes before power was restored.

Hendry must now beat Fu to qualify for the semi-finals and after suffering a bad case of deja vu he said: “my performance showed I haven’t picked up a cue for three months.

Doherty meets world number 86 Mahitthi today but cannot progress in the competition.

With the power restored Fu hit back to take the match 3-2 with a break of 54 in the deciding frame.