Fen Potter Perry primed for World Snooker Championship clash with Stephen Hendry

FEN Potter Joe Perry is hoping to call on all of his experience when he takes on seven-time champion Stephen Hendry at the World Snooker Championship on Sunday.

The Chatteris star, ranked 30th in the world, faces Hendry in the first round at the Crucible, in Sheffield.

He will be calling on all of the experience from his 20 years as a professional to try and beat the Scot, hailed by many as the best player ever to pick up a cue.

Perry said: “I have been playing for so long now. I feel like I know my game better and I know myself better. I also handle the occasion better. Obviously it’s still special but it’s just another tournament.

“I’ve gone there before feeling good, like I could win the tournament, and then lost in the first round and I’ve gone there not feeling great and done well. You just don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Defending champion Neil Robertson takes on Judd Trump in the first match of the tournament tomorrow. Perry’s clash with Hendry begins on Sunday at 2.30pm.

“I wouldn’t say I’m anywhere near my best,” said the 36-year-old. “But I feel like I’m playing consistently well. There’s no major fireworks but I’m playing to a reasonable standard.

“I don’t know what to expect from Stephen these days. He could still quite easily make century after century or he could miss black off the spot after black off the spot. He’s still more than capable of winning games.

“It’s going to be a tough game but every game there is a tough game. He’s been a shadow of himself the last few years but his best performances have been at the Crucible. One thing he’s not going to be is intimidated by the venue.”