Snooker:Stephen Hendry missed a big chance to develop a lead against Mark Selby and had to settle for a share of the first eight frames in their second-round clash at the Betfred.com World Championship.
Masters champion Selby predicted the match would be like a home fixture for Hendry, the seven-times winner.
And Hendry, the 41-year-old Scot, will rue the fact he did not lead after the session, having looked certain to go 5-2 ahead with one to play.
The opening two frames were shared, with Selby rattling in breaks of 52 and 71 and Hendry showing his old prowess by responding with 96 and 121.
But the match then looked to be tilting in Hendry’s favour, as he attempted to join his fellow Crucible legend Steve Davis in the last eight.
He moved 4-2 in front with breaks of 52 and 43, and then developed a 75-0 lead in the next frame after firing in a 24 and a 51.
Selby needed two snookers, and he got them, Hendry conceding 11 points. He also needed all the balls on the table and potted them too.
It was a crushing blow for Hendry but obviously lifted Selby who raced through the closing frame of the session with an 87 break.
Hendry, who is seeking his eighth world title 11 years after his seventh, probably welcomed the session halting there.
Another former world champion, 2005 winner Shaun Murphy, trailed 5-3 against Ding Junhui.
Ding led 4-2 with breaks of 68, 103 and 78 behind him, but Murphy grabbed one back and threatened to level.
However after a long safety battle the Chinese 23-year-old potted yellow, green and brown, meaning Murphy required a snooker.
Murphy fired in the blue and looked for a snooker on the pink with his next shot, which he achieved.
However Ding escaped and flicked the pink over the pocket, and Murphy, trying to manoeuvre it away, managed only to pot the ball to lose the frame.
Both matches continue tomorrow morning and conclude in the evening.