Classy Hendry compiles 700th century break in 5-1 victory

Stephen Hendry notched the 700th century break of his career as he saw off Robert Milkins 5-1 at the Malta Cup yesterday.

Snooker's most successful player ever, Hendry made his first pro ton in the 1986 World Championship and reached the 700 milestone yesterday in the third frame against Milkins.

The world no. 1 goes through to the last 16 at the Hilton in Portomaso to face Neil Robertson.

This tournament brought Hendry his 36th and last ranking title two years ago and he is in the mood to repeat that success.

"I'm playing well and getting to finals and semis, so I'm happy with that, but I want to be winning tournaments, that's it's all about in any sport," said the 38-year-old Scot.

"I am delighted to reach 700 centuries, it's fantastic. I didn't know I was on 699 but I'm glad I didn't as I probably would have twitched!"

Gloucester's Milkins took a scrappy first frame but seven-times world champion Hendry stormed back with runs of 54, 127, 73 and 49 to lead 4-1.

Milkins looked set to pull one back but missed a brown on 55 in frame six. Hendry cleared to the pink with 52 and, despite missing a tough long black, potted it two shots later to secure victory.

"After the first frame I played well. Robert goes for his shots so I knew I would get chances," added Hendry, whose is joined for the week by wife Mandy.

"This is a fantastic hotel, and when you are five star luxury like this with nice weather, you can fall into the trap of being too relaxed. You have to remind yourself that this is not a holiday.

"I've got a good record here, though I'd take a win anywhere, I don't care where."

Robertson, the Royal London Watches Grand Prix champion, scored a 5-1 victory over Marcus Campbell despite a top break of just 32.

"Sometimes you just have to win when you're not playing well," said the Australian. "That's the key to winning tournaments. You can't expect to play flawless snooker all of the time, and when it's not there you have to be patient and not try to force things.

"My target this season is to get into the top eight. I was looking good after the Grand Prix at no. 7 then I lost in the first round of the UK and dropped to no. 11. But I think the top eight is a good target and I can go on from there.

"I've got a decent record in Malta, I had two quarter-finals then Stephen Hendry beat me in the first round last year with four centuries, so I hope I can do better against him this time."

Higgins crashes out

Marco Fu created the biggest upset of the tournament so far when last night he beat last year's Malta Cup finalist John Higgins 5-3.

Shaun Murphy looked set to become the second high-profile casualty of the night when trailing Ricky Walden 4-2.

But the 2005 world champion produced a stirring fightback to win 5-4 in a marathon contest that lasted over four hours.

Results: S. Hendry bt R. Milkins 5-1; N. Robertson bt M. Campbell 5-1; M. Fu bt J. Higgins 5-3; A. Carter bt R. Lawler 5-2; M. Holt bt J. Parrott 5-1; S. Murphy bt R. Walden 5-4.

Today's matches: 4 p.m. M. Stevens vs R. Day; S. Murphy vs S. Lee; T. Ford vs G. Dott. 8 p.m. B. Hawkins vs M. King; R. O'Sullivan vs M. Holt; A. Carter vs M. Fu.