Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry compiled a magnificent 141 - the highest of the tournament - and further breaks of 113, 92 and 81 - but still couldn't shake off the attentions of Ken Doherty in their Embassy quarter-final this morning.

The Irishman, who is seeded fourth for this year's tournament, scored almost as heavily, and breaks of 64, 76, 82 and 83 ensured the morning session ended all-square at 4-4.

Meanwhile, Hendry will be ruing a terrible kick on the 15th black during the final frame which denied him the chance to become the first player to make two 147 breaks in the Embassy world championship as well as the cool £167,000 on offer for a maximum. The fifth seed's disappointment was visible as the kick ended his break on 113.

The second quarter-final, between third-seed John Higgins and sixth-seed Matthew Stevens, also ended level at 4-4 after the morning's play.

Higgins, who had breezed through his opening two matches against James Wattana and Graham Dott for the loss of just three frames, found Stevens a much tougher opponent.

The Scot found himself 3-0 down after Stevens notched breaks of 86, 50 and 61, before a spirited fightback took him 4-3 ahead.

But Stevens took the final frame of the morning with a fluent 69 to leave the match delicately poised.