Hendry whitewash steals the TV show

THE SEVEN-TIMES world snooker champion Stephen Hendry turned Noppadom Noppachorn's British television debut into his own one-man show at Preston Guild Hall yesterday.

THE SEVEN-TIMES world snooker champion Stephen Hendry turned Noppadom Noppachorn's British television debut into his own one-man show at Preston Guild Hall yesterday.

While Stephen Lee's hopes of completing a successful title defence were dashed by Tony Drago, Hendry outscored his Thai opponent 399-92 on the way to recording a 5-0 victory in the fourth round of the £400,000 Grand Prix.

Hendry, bidding for his fourth Grand Prix crown and his third trophy of an already lucrative season, was in ruthless mood. The Scot scored heavily with runs of 50, 62, 51, and 106. This was Hendry's 15th century in competition this season, and he is on course to break his own record, set during the 1994/95 campaign, when he topped 100 53 times.

On paper Hendry has another straightforward task to reach the quarter-finals. His next match is against Allister Carter, who is 142nd on the world list.

Lee was edged out 5-4 by Malta's Drago after seeming to have weathered an early storm. Drago now takes on Nottingham's Anthony Hamilton.