SNOOKER:STEPHEN HENDRY rolled back the years with a magical maximum to underline his return to form at the World Championship in Sheffield yesterday.

The seven-time world champion compiled his second Crucible 147 break but still trailed Shaun Murphy 9-7 in their quarter-final last night.

Hendry (40) last won the world title in 1999 and has not secured any ranking title since triumphing at the 2005 Malta Cup. He came to the Crucible as a 50 to 1 outsider.

However, he served notice of his intention to end that barren run with the ninth 147 of his career.

Hendry said: “It’s a tremendous feeling and I’m absolutely delighted.”

The Scot’s clearance of 15 reds and blacks, followed by the colours, came in the seventh frame.

Providing no-one matches it – in which case he would have to share the prize-money – Hendry will receive €174,662 for the feat. The sponsors will also pay €163,502 to the Sport Relief charity.

The black for Hendry’s maximum wobbled in the jaws of the pocket before dropping in, prompting the Scot to raise his right arm in celebration.

Snooker supremo Rodney Walker knocked back China’s bid to host the World Championship from 2011 but admitted the money on offer could eventually be too good to turn down.

World Snooker chairman Walker yesterday confirmed the World Championship will remain at Sheffield’s Crucible theatre until 2014, in a three-year extension to the current deal.

There is the distinct possibility that the tournament will then move to China.