Hendry on song at Welsh Open

Stephen Hendry knocked countryman and practice partner Stephen Maguire out of the £225,000 Welsh Open yesterday, edging into the last 16 with a 5-4 win.

Three-time winner Hendry found himself in the unfamiliar role of outsider with bookmakers after Maguire’s impressive victory in the UK Championships in November.

The 36-year-old former world champion responded in style to inflict only Maguire’s third defeat in 19 ranking event matches this season.