Hendry links with Jordan

STEPHEN HENDRY is on the brink of earning extra riches after entering snooker's hall of fame with, his record-equalling sixth World title. The 27- year-old Scot, who has already earned more than any other player in history, is poised to reap the benefits from a proposed link-up between his Sweater Shop team and Grand Prix racing.

Manager Ian Doyle has negotiated a sponsorship tie-up with the Jordan Formula One motor racing outfit which could bring more money to Hendry and his 11 stablemates.

Doyle revealed preliminary news of the partnership in Sheffield yesterday as Hendry relaxed with wife Mandy following Monday night's 18-12 victory over Peter Ebdon which emulated the modern-day achievements of Ray Reardon and Steve Davis.

"We can't reveal too much at the moment," said the Stirling businessman. "But there will be a major announcement at Silverstone on July 8th and 9th.

"What I can tell you is the deal will take snooker into the 21st century. We are trying to raise the profile of the game up to the level of Formula One.

Earlier this season a Eddie Jordan's team signed a contract with Benson and Hedges believed to be worth in the region of Pounds 10 million. The tobacco company also back snooker's annual Masters tournament at Wembley, where Hendry has won the Gold trophy on six occasions in the last seven years.

Doyle has worked closely to put the package together with Brian and Gordon Dalziel from the Sweater Shop operation, who are as associated with motor racing as they are with snooker. Hendry himself will be a guest when the Formula One circuit stops off in Monaco in a fortnight's time.

Financial details of the package remain secret but it is certain to strengthen Hendry's position as one of Britain's top sporting money earners.

He has already accumulated close to Pounds 5 million, helped by the Pounds 200,000 winner's cheque for his defeat of Ebdon, and drives a Mercedes and a Ferrari as well as owning a Bentley worth Pounds 180,000.

It has been a gruelling season for the game's undisputed number one. "I'll probably put my cue away for at least six weeks and relax," said Hendry.

Before then there is another Pounds 50,000 on offer providing he captures the European League title at Irthlingborough on Saturday. Ebdon Davis and Dubliner Ken Doherty are all out to deny him his sixth major championship of the season and the 61st of his all-conquering career.