STEPHEN Hendry, winner of at least one world ranking event every year since his breakthrough success at the 1987 Rothmans Grand Prix, has one final chance to keep that proud record intact.

But the seven-times world champion faced a major test when he tackles old adversary Peter Ebdon in the last 16 of the £311,000 China Open at the Mission Hills Resort, Shenzhen today.

The 31-year-old Scot appears relaxed, and has even indulged in a couple of rounds of golf at the venue, but there is no doubt he is fiercely determined to collect the £50,000 first prize.

There is a healthy rivalry between Hendry and Ebdon, another stubborn competitor who lost out 9-5 when they clashed in the final of the British Open 15 months ago.

That was Hendry's last ranking event win and, since then, he has become increasingly frustrated with his unaccustomed lack of success.

Hendry will also be fired up to play Ebdon but, then again, that has always been the case.

Eight years ago, when he was still a rookie pro, Ebdon cheekily advised Hendry to take his golf clubs to the United Arab Emirates because the pair had been drawn together in the Dubai Classic.

Hendry won the match 5-2 and has triumphed in 11 of their 14 career meetings.