THERE was a spectacular start to the Betfred world Championship when Stephen Hendry notched a maximum break on day one.
The seven-time champion romped to an 8-1 lead over Stuart Bingham as he turned back the clock with a perfect potting display.
Hendry hit his third Crucible 147 in the seventh frame to spark a payout from bookies who had offered odds of up to 11-8 on the feat being achieved. And the Scot himself was 70-1 to do the business.
I backed the cue king to beat Bingham +1.5 frames at 8-11 and he's almost there.
Ladbrokes said they'd paid out a six-figure sum to punters who backed a 147 from Hendry. Pre-tournament they offered to pay out on a player as a winner should he hit a maximum.
Spokesperson Jessica Bridge said: “We've been hit for six and it's only day one. It's suddenly become a case of when, and not if, the next 147 is hit.”
In December 2020 we sadly 
Hendry=Legend.
Higgins was fortunate to beat Wenbo last night.
Cracking Hendry v Higgins 2nd Round match in prospect.
Hopefully the match fixer from Wishaw gets beat.
Rotten tip about Stephen Lee. Pumped out in the first round 10-6. Ah well,
Ally, as I said it was one I was given. Have already slaughtered the guy over that. However, the first-round tips mostly came up, especially Jones.