snooker
Stephen Hendry ended his trophy famine in Valetta last night as he thrashed Mark Williams 7-1, the same score as his his beloved Hearts hit against Dunfermline, to regain the Rothman's Malta Grand Prix.
It was the Scot's first title since last May and a timely boost with the world championship at Sheffield two months away.
Hendry's superb display also included the first official 147 break in Europe outside Great Britain and Ireland. The victory was a huge boost in confidence for the seven-time world champion. He said: ''Any win is a good win when you have not been doing the job for a while.''
Hendry pocketed #10,000 for the 69th major title of his career and #1,000 extra for his third-frame 147.
''People will say this is only a small tournament but just to be in the winner's circle again is a good feeling.
''Mind you Mark didn't play that well and I caught him when he was off form.''
Hendry's eighth 147 took place in frame three and was never in doubt after he potted the opening red and black.
Williams gained a #5,000 consolation for suffering another heavy final beating after drubbings in the UK Championship and China Open finals this term.
Williams took the first frame with a break of 42, his highest of the contest - but then lost seven in a row as Hendry compiled runs of 57, 70, 56, 41, and 87 to go with his 147.
l Belgian Patrick Delsemme, looked to be cruising to victory as he raced into a 5-0 lead over Birmingham's Leigh Griffin in their world championship qualifying match in Newport last night.
However, Griffin fought back to take the next four frames and trail just 5-4 going into tomorrow afternoon's final session. Young prodigy Jason Barton also held a slender 5-4 lead over Welshman Tony Chappel.
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