SHEFFIELD (England), April 20: Seven-times champion Stephen Hendry moved into the second round of the world championship with a 10-7 win over Australian qualifier Neil Robertson at the Crucible Theatre on Wednesday. Hendry, who built up a 7-2 lead overnight, held off a determined challenge from Robertson in the second session to claim the three frames he required to seal victory.

“My attitude wasn’t great because it’s difficult to motivate yourself when you have a big lead,” said the 36-year-old Briton. “I’m pleased to get over the line in the end.”

Hendry acknowledged his form would have to improve if he is to take the title from champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.

“It’s all about improving all the way through the championship,” he said.

“Ronnie’s out on his own at the moment and I’m in a small group tucked in behind him. Ronnie doesn’t have to be at his best to win.”

Robertson was making his debut at the Crucible and said he had been overawed in the first session.

“It was all new to me playing someone like Stephen Hendry at the Crucible. I was pretty nervous and didn’t do myself justice.”

Peter Ebdon, who won the title three years ago, is two frames away from beating Australia’s Quinten Hann after opening up an 8-1 lead in the opening session of their first round tie.

Wednesday’s results: 3-Stephen Hendry (Scotland) bt Neil Robertson (Australia) 10-7 (113-16 1-74 75-36 84-8 94-20 43-58 78-46 86-0 72-62 69-27 21-67 81-13 26-67 26-72 10-59 0-110 76-24) —Reuters