A fantastic performance by the Grove’s Zhang Anda on his first appearance at the final stages of a major tournament – but sadly not enough to oust his opponent, seven-time champion Stephen Hendry.

Anda showed why he is one of the game’s hottest prospects after getting within a few shots of a phenomenal upset. World number 10 Hendry had been cruising at the start of this clash leading 4-0 but Anda’s fearless battling qualities, witnessed in his four qualifying matches last month, got him back to 5-4 down for Sunday’s finale.

Hendry, who was last crowned world champion in 1999 when Anda was just seven, began the evening with a break of 50, only to see the frame stolen when Anda coolly knocked in an 86.

The Scot soon settled and a 65 helped him gain a two-frame advantage to lead 7-5 but the sloppy errors continued and the “Mighty Mouse” nabbed the 13th after 30 minutes of compelling combat.

Four frames followed for Anda, which included a 76, but he was unlucky not to secure the match in the 17th as the tension mounted inside the Crucible.

Hendry though was left to fight another day after his highest break in the tie of 89 set up his remarkable and gritty comeback, completing the job with a 55.