From Paul O’Hehir at the Citywest Hotel

01/04/01: Stephen Hendry has made a stubborn fight back in the evening session of the Irish Masters final at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.

The former world number one trailed O’Sullivan 5-2 after the afternoon session but impressive cueing from Hendry has helped in bridging the gap to 6-5.

Playing confidently since the resumption, the Scot put together a sublime break of 84 to stun O’Sullivan in the eighth frame.

Subsequently, a lapse of concentration when attempting a pot on red with the rest allowed O’Sullivan back to the table where he cleared with a break of 76 to restore a three frame advantage.

Hendry, however, was not to be put off and fought back with a break of 82 to win the ninth frame, doggedly keeping in touch.

Hendry then proceeded to rattle home a magnificent break of 95 for a 99-25 win in the final frame before the 20 minute interval.

The first to nine frames will be crowned Irish Masters champion.