Stephen Hendry faces a tough task in his quest to maintain his record of winning at least one ranking event per year since 1987. Hendry's last chance comes at the China Open this week. Today, he will take on old rival Peter Ebdon in the last 16 of the competition. The pair clashed in the final of the British Open 15 months ago, which Hendry won 9-5. That was the Scot's last ranking event win and, no doubt, Ebdon will be looking for revenge in today's encounter. However, Hendry has the better record, having beaten Ebdon in 11 of their 14 meetings so far. But, going on current form, Ebdon will be favourite as only Mark Williams and John Higgins have secured more ranking points this season.
The winner of the tie between Ebdon and Hendry will take on Alan McManus in the quarter-finals as he beat Hong Kong's Marco Fu 5-3. Meanwhile, another quarter-final tie may not take place as Ronnie O'Sullivan, who yesterday beat Dominic Dale 5-2, may be forced to withdraw from the tournament after sustaining a back injury. If O'Sullivan is forced to pull out, his opponent, Paul Hunter, will get a bye into the semi-finals.
Already through to the quarter-finals is world number one Stephen Lee, who overcame Jimmy White 5-1 this morning, and Mark Williams, who beat Nigel Bond 5-2.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
