FORMER world champions Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan treated North-East snooker fans to a top-class exhibition on Friday night.

The pair met at the Spennymoor Leisure Centre and O'Sullivan rocketed his way to victory, thumping Hendry 8-1 in a nine-frame spectacular.

And the Rocket was on course for a 147. He potted 15 reds and 15 blacks, only to miss the yellow as he started to clear up and he had to settle for a 120 break.

"If he'd bagged a 147, I think the house would have come down,'' said organiser Gary Astley of Planet Snooker. "It was a superb night of top-class snooker and Ronnie was in unstoppable form - he was a joy to watch.''

In a single-frame game proceeding the main event, Michael Rhodes of Durham beat Hendry. And over £600 was raised on the night to help fund Rhodes' trip to Ireland for the European Championship this summer.

Next month, Jimmy White will be taking on the legendary Alex Higgins at the Spennymoor Leisure Centre. Details are available by telephoning 01388 815827

Frame scores (O'Sullivan first): 74-0; 83-13 (83 break); 87-19 (63); 76-25 (76); 120-0 (120); 1-122 (106); 84-0 (84); 80-8; 79-0 (79).