25/03/00: Stephen Hendry produced a volley of big breaks but could not add to his century tally as he trounced John Parrott 6-1 to reach the final. I got stronger as the match went on," Hendry said.

"I missed a few towards the start but got better which is the right way to go."

Hendry also had time to congratulate Higgins, who was playing Ronnie O'Sullivan tonight for the other final spot, on his maximum.

It was the second 147 that Higgins had made in professional competition in nine weeks, the first having been compiled during the Nations Cup at Reading in January.

Hendry said: "It was a fantastic achievement to make two in such a short space of time.

"I'm sure John is delighted to have done one but getting the second is something very special."-PA