I nearly called it a day, says Stephen Hendry

Stephen Hendry has admitted he was ready to retire from snooker before a stunning Crucible comeback saw him win the last three frames and avoid an embarrassing defeat against 18-year-old Chinese sensation Zhang Anda.

The seven-time world champion secured a place in the second round with a 10-9 win and will now play Masters champion Mark Selby.

But the 41-year-old admitted he was ready to call it a day as the prospect of a shock defeat edged closer to reality.

"At 9-7 down I had my retirement speeches ready. I felt it just summed up a dismal season - going out in the first round of the World Championship.

"But something just clicked and I wish I knew how to do it because if I could produce it more often I'd be in contention to win tournaments. But it came at just the right time."

Hendry was impressed with Zhang, who was making his World Championship debut after a run through qualifying which included a win over John Parrott, who went a step further than Hendry by announcing his retirement after that setback.

The Scot said: "I thought he was phenomenal. He showed no nerves.

"I know he's got nothing to lose and you can raise your game to the occasion but by the same token you can freeze as well."

Three-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan was due to begin his campaign this afternoon against another talented Chinese player, Liang Wenbo.