Hendry made to struggle

Snooker

Stephen Hendry, the world No 1, captured his fifth UK title after a dramatic 10-9 victory in a best-of-19 frames match over fellow Scot John Higgins in Preston last night, sealing victory with a break of 77.

Hendry, who had looked ill at ease and ruffled throughout the evening session, allowed an 8-4 lead to slip away as Higgins fought back with five frames in a row to stand on the verge of his first UK win.

But Hendry, who earlier knocked in three century breaks, held his nerve and did not allow his 21-year-old World Cup teammate a point in the closing two frames.

Hendry's epic triumph leaves him just one title short of Steve Davis' record of six victories in the closest UK final since Hendry defeated Davis 16-15 in 1991.

Frame scores, Digest, page 19