After a tight game, a masterful break in the eighth frame helped
Marco Fu defeat World No. 1 Stephen Hendry 5-4 victory to reach the
last 16 of the
2007 World Snooker China Open yesterday in
Beijing.
The Hong Kong cueist attributed his stunning comeback victory to
his pre-game psychology.
"I told myself to keep calm, even in the last frame, since
winning early on reminded me to be self-possessed and to build a
win without any pressure, ' Fu said of his performance at the
after-match press conference.
Hendry started horrendously, going down 3-1, but battled back
with three strong breaks of 108, 53 and 54 to go into a 4-3 lead.
The Snooker King then hit a 58 run and seemed sure to win.
This was counting without a long red by Fu which began a 72
clearance, which saw him score some improbable pots including the
last red along the side cushion into a baulk corner.
The decider then came to the wire but Fu clinched it with a
break of 63.
"I felt confident because I prepared well for the match," said
world No 22 Fu. "Even in the last frame I felt calm. Six Chinese
players won their matches yesterday, I'm very happy to see the
young talent coming through."
Despite his win, Fu still heaped praise on Hendry, saying: "in
my mind, he remains a great player and audiences have much higher
requirements for him."
Stephen Hendry
(China Daily March 28, 2007)
