Hendry is relishing rumble with O'Sullivan

Ronnie O'Sullivan will need to be on his best behaviour as he attempts to overcome Stephen Hendry in the semi-finals of the world snooker championship in Sheffield tonight.

O'Sullivan and Hendry have had their differences in the past and the Englishman has been reprimanded over a string of controversial incidents at this year's tournament.

Hendry, who won the British Open title at O'Sullivan's expense last October, said: "I am capable of slaughtering Ronnie and he is capable of slaughtering me. I know there won't be much safety play.

"We can both play to a high standard and it's going to be all about who does it over the next three days."

The winner meets either Graeme Dott or Matthew Stevens in the final. Their best of 33-frame clash starts this afternoon.