STEPHEN HENDRY was battling to keep his snooker revival on track at the UK Championship in York today.

The seven-times world champion, who last weekend won his first title for 27 months when he took the European Open trophy in Malta, was locked in a tight duel with fellow Scot Drew Henry.

Hendry, 4-1 down at one stage yesterday in the opening session of their best of 17 frames second round match at the Barbican Leisure Centre, won the next three frames, including a 121 break in the seventh frame, to start this afternoon's session level at 4-4.

Alan McManus is the first top-16 star through to round three.

He beat his UK Championship hoodoo to defeat 1991 winner John Parrott last night.

"Whenever I play John it's always a war of attrition and this was no exception," said McManus, who came from 6-4 down to win 9-6.

Robin Hull meanwhile became the first giant-killer of the tournament as he beat world No 13 Mark King 9-2 last night to follow his 7-1 first round triumph against Anthony Davies.

Hull, who lives in London, was born and brought up in Finland, though his father is English. "I learnt to speak English as a youngster but Finnish is my mother tongue," he said.

"I support Finland in all sports though we're not much good at ball games - snooker excepted."

Hull, who is guaranteed a best-ever pay day of £11,500, awaits the winner of this afternoon's clash between LG Cup winner Stephen Lee and Anthony Hamilton. Lee led 5-3 going into today's play.

Peter Ebdon, who led Dubliner Michael Judge 5-3 going into this afternoon's session, made a 143 total clearance in the fifth frame of their match yesterday.

Joe Swail lost 9-5 to Sussex professional Mark Davis while Graeme Dott went out 9-6 to Welshman Dominic Dale.

Mark Williams, beaten in last year's UK final by John Higgins, was in action today against Mancunian Nick Dyson. Steve Davis, was playing former UK finalist Matthew Stevens.

Results and today's programme of matches, see Page 23

Updated: 12:14 Thursday, December 06, 2001