Snooker: Hendry seeks inspiration

Stephen Hendry, on a mission to improve his relatively poor record at the Regal Welsh Open, quietly moved into the last 16 of the event at Newport yesterday.

However, Hendry, who produced a low-key display to beat Ian McCulloch in the first round, never approached his devastating best during a 5-2 win over Mick Price of Nuneaton.

"I am playing really well and cueing fine but motivation is difficult for me to find in these early rounds," the six-times world champion said.

Hendry, who has not won the title in Newport since 1992, now faces Thailand's James Wattana. Wattana secured a place in the last 16 by beating the 1985 world champion, Dennis Taylor, 5-3.