STEPHEN HENDRY secured place in snooker's hall of fame night by winning his fifth Embassy World with an 18-12 over Ebdon at Sheffield's Theatre.

The world number one's equalled the modern day feat of world crowns by Ray Reardon Steve Davis, not to mention ear him a £200,000 winners' cheque.

The Scot, who led 10-6 overnight, extended his lead to 14-10 by the mid session interval before finally overcoming Ebdon, who was appearing in his first world final.

Hendry admitted he was delighted at emulating Davis' six triumphs, confessing. "It's fantastic to equal something that Steve's done because I've looked up to him my whole career and he's set the standards that I've tried to match.

"This is probably one of the toughest records I would ever have to achieve and I've done it I'm delighted."

A disappointed Ebdon claimed his determination to reach the final had taken its toll and contributed to him trailing 10-6 overnight.

"I didn't handle the pressure particularly well yesterday," he admitted. "It was my first major final in the world championship and I'd had three very tough matches previously and I lost it a bit.

"The whole week caught up with me a little bit. I was a little hit jaded and fatigued yesterday and I did have some chances but it was a whole new experience.

But he stressed. "I came here today believing I could still win even though I was four frames down, but I just went out with the attitude that I was going to enjoy it.

"It's the first time I've ever experienced anything like this and it's incredible the crowds here have been fantastic all week and seeing as I'm a clown I thought I'd go out with a smile rather than a frown.

"I probably put myself under too much pressure yesterday. It was a very important match for me, the biggest match of my life, and contrary to all the matches I'd had previously in the week, I didn't enjoy it."