Match Reports from the 888.com World Snooker Championship
Hendry Wins Ugly !
Stephen Hendry 10 – 7 Dave Gilbert
Stephen Hendry relied on his vast experience and an underperforming opponent to stutter into the last 16.
Hendry trailed 5-4 after the first session, but he quickly put Dave Gilbert under pressure. The Scot looked to be finding his rhythm with a 78 break in the 11th frame as he moved ahead for the first time at 6-5.
Gilbert, who was unable to take advantage of Hendry’s malaise in the first session, levelled the match by taking the twelfth frame. He lost the next but a cool 59 clearance made it 7-7.
Both players continued to struggle to assert themselves, as easy balls were missed regularly.
Experience proved to be the difference. Hendry was well aware that he was not playing well, and by limiting the mistakes he found a way to win the next frame with some good safety.
Gilbert had chances after that, but his inconsistent form presented Hendry the openings he needed to close out the match.
The 38-year-old will be relieved to make it through, but he must improve dramatically to keep his dreams of an historic eighth world title alive for much longer.
By David Pritchard
