Hendry avoids early shock

Stephen Hendry averted a second consecutive first-round exit from the 888.com World Championship in Sheffield as he fought back for a 10-7 victory against little-known David Gilbert.

The seven-time former champion was knocked out by Nigel Bond at the opening stage last year and looked in grave danger of another early defeat when he trailed 5-1 to Gilbert in the first session.

But he had reduced his arrears to 5-4 going into today’s conclusion and although he could not shake off his opponent until the closing stages, the Scot’s vast experience ultimately carried him over the winning line.

Playing competitively with a new cue for the first time, the 38-year-old’s highest break of the match was a mere 76 and he was more pleased with the way he had responded to being under pressure than the form he produced.

“I had to dig deep,” said the world number one, who meets Ali Carter or Andy Hicks in the second round on Saturday.

“I thought my attitude and concentration was fantastic through the whole match, which is something I had been working hard on. If my attitude had been better last year I wouldn’t have lost in the first round.

“I could easily have chucked this match at 5-1 down, so I’m delighted with the way I dug in and won nine of the next 11 frames. I thought that was a tremendous performance.”

Rather than talking about the match, Hendry was more concerned afterwards about having had to share an ice bucket with Gilbert which had been placed behind the players’ chairs.

“I think it’s a scandal,” he said, partly tongue in cheek.

“We have to reach behind the seats and share an ice bucket so, whoever is listening, I would like my own ice bucket. We used to have our own bucket. I don’t know what’s happening – are we scrimping on ice now?”

Gilbert, 25, from Tamworth, was devastated that he had let slip such a fine opportunity to claim a major scalp.

“I don’t know what went wrong today,” said the world number 66. “I’m disgusted with how I played there, I feel terrible. I probably missed more balls than I potted.

“Stephen didn’t play well and was there for the taking today. I had a good night’s sleep and felt good but it just didn’t click for me. He gave me plenty of chances.”

His thoughts then turned to his mother, Joan, who is due to undergo an operation for breast cancer next week.

“I got the bad news just before I came to the tournament,” said Gilbert, who wore a pink ribbon in support of breast cancer charities on his waistcoat.

“We are just thankful it’s operable. I just wanted to do well for her. I’m sure she’s proud of me and it would have been a nice moment if I could have pulled off a shock.”

On the other table Australia’s Neil Robertson, the only man to win two ranking titles this season, opened a 6-3 lead against Ryan Day.

Robertson led 4-0 before the Welshman fought back and the ’Melbourne Machine’ took the final frame of the session on a respotted black to give himself a handy cushion for tonight’s conclusion.