SNOOKER: Hendry turns on the heat

IT WAS deja vu for Mark Williams in Croydon yesterday as Stephen Hendry became the first winner of the Liverpool Victoria Champions' Cup.

Less than five months after finishing second best to his stablemate in the World Championship final, Williams was on the receiving end again, this time of a 7-5 defeat.

It was Hendry's 71st major title and leaves him just two behind Steve Davis's all-time record. Hendry said: "If I never win another tournament I cannot be disappointed by what I've achieved from snooker. But my target this season is to get back to No 1."

Hendry took the first major trophy of the season in a steamy auditorium that left both players dripping with perspiration. "We've played in Dubai but I've never known it as hot before," he said.

The 30-year-old Scot had two century breaks, despite damaging his cue tip in the opening frame. He led 2-0, 4-2 and turned up the heat after Williams had levelled at 4-4. Breaks of 107, 63 and 105 gave Hendry the trophy.