WORLD snooker champion Stephen Hendry came achingly close to a GBP130,000 payout for a maximum 147 break at the Bournemouth International Open.

Hendry got to 129 but missed the final blue in the opening frame of his 5-2 third round win over Tony Drago of Malta.

The ball wobbled in the jaws of the pocket but stayed out. Success would have seen him win a GBP110,000 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit and GBP20,000.