Snooker
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fergal O'Brien missed a marvellous chance of beating the world champion, Stephen Hendry, in yesterday's quarter-finals of the pounds 330,000 Skoda Grand Prix in Sunderland.
The 23-year-old Dubliner appeared poised to extend the match by stealing an error-strewn eighth frame. But after an impressive shot from brown to blue, he missed the latter ball, giving Hendry an unexpected lifeline.
"Fergal was under a bit of pressure," said Hendry, who went on to win 5-3. "But I really felt it was going to go to 4-4. Having said that, I looked like I was going to have a fairly comfortable win until I missed a black off its spot to go 4-1 up."
Instead, O'Brien recovered from 48-26 down in the fifth with a 35 clearance and Hendry admitted: "From that point I stuttered over the line."
A five-day break from the tournament did Hendry no favours, although he was not looking for excuses after ensuring three Scotsmen - Alan McManus and John Higgins are the others - will contest the semi-finals. "I've been a professional long enough not to let it bother me," Hendry added.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments