Anyone can have a bad session at the Crucible, particularly in the first round – just as John Higgins did yesterday morning – so it would be premature to start writing Stephen Hendry’s professional obituary just because he let slip a 4-0 lead over Zhang Anda.
However, there are clearly worrying signs for Hendry, who missed two straight pinks and a straight red towards the end of the first session yesterday.
It always was a leap into the unknown for him. Zhang, just 18, was all at sea as he attempted to get to grips with the unique Crucible atmosphere but, after the interval, he grew in confidence and the pressure transferred to Hendry.
So 5-4 to the seven times champion and a fascinating final session in prospect tonight. I still expect Hendry to come through but he needs to rediscover his focus and cut out the careless mistakes.
Before all that Mark Allen should finish off Tom Ford and Mark Selby, 6-3 up on Ken Doherty, will be looking to make a good start to keep the former champion at bay.
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However, there are clearly worrying signs for Hendry, who missed two straight pinks and a straight red towards the end of the first session yesterday.
It always was a leap into the unknown for him. Zhang, just 18, was all at sea as he attempted to get to grips with the unique Crucible atmosphere but, after the interval, he grew in confidence and the pressure transferred to Hendry.
So 5-4 to the seven times champion and a fascinating final session in prospect tonight. I still expect Hendry to come through but he needs to rediscover his focus and cut out the careless mistakes.
Before all that Mark Allen should finish off Tom Ford and Mark Selby, 6-3 up on Ken Doherty, will be looking to make a good start to keep the former champion at bay.
More...
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