HENDRY’S FINE IN THE SAND

STEPHEN HENDRY has backed snooker to make it big in Saudi Arabia, where a new tournament is planned next month.

And despite criticism from lower-ranked players upset because only the top eight players are invited, seven-time world champion Hendry is confident the inaugural event will lead to more tournaments in the Middle East.

“I know it’s isolating the top eight players who are going to be earning a nice few quid for going there, but it’s going to lead to more tournaments in the region and that’s going to benefit the whole tour,” said Hendry (above).

“I played in Dubai in the early 80s.

Since then there’s been a tournament in Bahrain. But to open snooker’s Middle East Swing like they have in golf would be incredible.”

The Riyadh Season World Masters will take place in March (4-6), with a new Golden Ball gimmick set to be introduced to spice up the event. The ball will be worth an extra 20 points and be placed on the table if anyone can make a maximum 147 clearance. Traditionalists in the game do not like the idea but Ronnie O’Sullivan (left) has welcomed it.

“This golden ball is only going to come into the equation after a 147, but the whole thing is very exciting,” said Hendry.

John Higgins beat Zhou Yuelong 5-3 to reach the last 16 of the German Masters. Higgins said: “He’s beaten me the last few times so it’s a good win.”

After sharing the first four fames, the world No.12 saw out the match with 89 and 97 breaks. He will face bogeyman Mark Allen for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Allen, who beat Joe O’Connor 5-2, has won their last three meetings.