 Hendry has reached his 98th major final |
Stephen Hendry beat Matthew Stevens 6-3 to set up a meeting with arch-rival Ronnie O'Sullivan in the final of the British Open in Brighton. The Scot made breaks of 63, 93 and 80 to establish a 4-1 lead before Stevens brought the score back to 4-3.
But a break of 65 helped Hendry take it to 5-3, and a 62 clearance in the ninth saw him over the finishing line.
O'Sullivan looked to be returning to form during his 6-2 win over Stephen Lee in his semi-final.
Hendry and O'Sullivan had a public falling out at the 2002 World Championship and the rift has never been healed. "Every time we play there's an edge, you can't deny that," said Hendry.
"But it's a major final and he'll be trying to beat me just as I'll be trying to beat him.
"I have the utmost respect for Ronnie as a snooker player - he's an amazing talent.
"We'll both be motivated. Everyone knows we're not the best of mates but I'll approach the match the same as I would against someone like Mark Williams, who is my best friend on the circuit."
MMIX
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Everyone knows we're not the best of mates 