CHATTERIS snooker ace Joe Perry faces a tough test in the World Snooker Championship after drawing seven-time champion Stephen Hendry in the first round.

Perry, ranked 30th in the world, booked his place at the Crucible after beating Chinese star Liu Song 10-6 in a nerve-wracking final qualifying round match last Saturday.

The 36-year-old told the Cambs Times last week that he wanted to avoid world champion and practice partner Neil Robertson, who will begin the defence of his title against Judd Trump on Saturday April 16.

Hendry, described by many as the greatest player of all time, will offer a stern test for the Fen Potter who reached the semi-final in 2008 but lost to Ali Carter 17-15 in an epic clash.

Perry said last week: “I don’t know how many times I’ve played at the Crucible but it’s the greatest test and you never get sick of it. I have had some horror shows but some of my greatest achievements have been there. I’m not afraid of playing anyone.”

The full first round draw in full

Draw for the 2011 Betfred.com World Snooker Championship (April 16 to May 2 at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England):

Jamie Cope v Andrew Pagett

Ding Junhui v Jamie Burnett

John Higgins v Stephen Lee

Neil Robertson v Judd Trump

Mark Allen v Matthew Stevens

Ricky Walden v Rory McLeod

Mark Williams v Ryan Day

Stephen Maguire v Barry Hawkins

Ronnie O’Sullivan v Dominic Dale

Shaun Murphy v Marcus Campbell

Graeme Dott v Mark King

Stephen Hendry v Joe Perry

Ali Carter v Dave Harold

Peter Ebdon v Stuart Bingham

Mark Selby v Jimmy Robertson

Marco Fu v Martin Gould

The prestigious tournament runs from April 16 to May 2 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.