In his first outing since losing 18-17 to Ebdon at the Crucible Theatre last May, the seven-times world champion whitewashed Mark King 5-0.

And local favourite Hendry's reward for his first round success is a re-match against Ebdon at the Thistle Hotel on Friday night.

Hendry started the match with a perfect 3-0 record against Romford left-hander King.

And the three times Regal Masters champion was soon cueing superbly.

"It was a bit scrappy towards the end but getting the result was the main thing.

"I've been practising hard for the last six weeks because I want to carry on playing as well as I was towards the end of last season.

He added: "The practice is still dull but you have got to do it. I couldn't do it seven days a week like I used to do when I was younger.

"I'd be climbing up the wall if I did. So, I don't practice now on Saturday and Sunday."

Dedication

Hendry's dedication appears to be paying off.

King, making his Masters debut, scored only 30 points in the opening three frames as his opponent replied with runs of 82, 84 and 58.

He dropped his standards slightly in frame four but a break of 47 was good enough to take him into the interval 4-0 up.

What proved to be the final frame was littered with more mistakes but Hendry's 39 ensured his best of 11 confrontation with Ebdon.

Hendry continued: "I won't go into the match thinking of revenge.

Earlier, Paul Hunter scored his first-ever Regal Masters win beating stablemate Matthew Stevens 5-3 with an opening frame break of 101.

Hunter's reward is a meeting tomorrow afternoon against Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Hunter said: "It's nice to be back because I haven't played since losing in the first round of the world championship last April.

"Because it's been such a long time I really felt nervous in that opening frame.

He added: "But it's good practice to play against the top eight players and as Matthew beat me here last year, it's nice to get my own back."