Snooker: Henry Still No1 Despite Losing at Grand Prix

Stephen Hendry stands on top of the world rankings without having won a title since February 2005, a sequence now extended by his 3-2 defeat by Fergal O'Brien, the world No44, at the Royal London grand prix in Aberdeen.

"You get what you deserve and I deserve to be out," said the seven-times world champion whose three defeats from four starts put him out of contention for one of the two qualifying places from his group for the 16-man knockout stages which start today.

John Higgins, defending champion, potted 15 reds, 15 blacks and only failed at a long yellow in his attempt at a 147-break but it was his only success as he lost 3-1 to Alan McManus.