Snooker: Hamilton has the measure of Hendry

ANTHONY HAMILTON finally got the measure of Stephen Hendry for the first time yesterday to reach the semi-finals of the British Open in Plymouth.

After eight consecutive defeats, the Nottingham professional beat Hendry 5-3. "Stephen didn't play to his normal standard but this is a great result for me," the world No 11 said.

Hendry was not too disturbed by his defeat, saying, "There is nothing much wrong with my game. It's just my concentration that let me down today. If I don't get that right it will show up even more in the longer frame matches at Sheffield. But it's a good win for Anthony and he held himself together well at the end."

John Higgins is within two matches of retaining his title after another emphatic victory yesterday. The world champion achieved his second whitewash in four matches with a 5-0 trouncing of Brian Morgan, the world No 27 from Tiptree.

Higgins has dropped just two frames en route to the semi-finals and now plays Peter Ebdon, the world No 7, or Irish No 2, Fergal O'Brien.

"I hope Peter gets through because I haven't got a good record against him and I owe him a few," said the world No 1. "But really it doesn't matter. I'm just pleased to get this far without being stretched. Long may it continue."

Morgan was fortunate to beat Nick Walker in the previous round, fluking the last red and clearing up to win on the pink for a 5-4 success. Higgins outscored him 440 points to 37 with breaks of 53, 47, 48, 42, 44 and 101.

"Brian missed a few shots and I managed to take advantage. There's not much more I can say," Higgins said.