THERE is no defence for sheer perfection - and Cwm's Mark Williams could not counter that last night.

Many people will have watched Stephen Hendry during the 1990s thrash everyone who was laid before him and, as he lifted the Regal Welsh title for a third time yesterday, he was back to his awesome best.

Williams had few chances during the afternoon session of the final when, after winning the first frame, he had to sit in his chair for frame after frame as his opponent hammered in three century breaks including the highest of the tournament - a 140.

The 27-year-old Welshman did fight back in the evening session but Hendry just laid him to waste when given the chance, strolling to a 9-5 success.

The 34-year-old Scotsman's dominance was total and, as well as becoming the first player to win the Regal Welsh three times, he is to keep the trophy for ever.

Hendry won the first title against Fleur-de-Lys' Darren Morgan in 1992 and so, as the sponsors will be quitting the competition due to the Government's ban on tobacco advertising in sport now, it was ironic he should beat another Gwent man in the last tournament.

Hendry said: "I cannot be popular around here but Mark is a good mate of mine.

"I only missed a couple of balls all day, nothing really easy, but it's not often that you play a whole match like that and think that everytime you go to the table, you would clear up.

"I'm delighted to beat a form player and beat him convincingly. Everytime I went to the table, I thought 'fantastic'.

"It was the Stephen Hendry of the 90s. My form has been fantastic."

Williams would have beaten probably every player on the professional circuit last night such was his game yesterday but Hendry was simply irresistible.

The Gwent man said: "I was never in it. He played fantastic throughout the match. He potted some incredible balls to clear from anywhere.

"I don't think anyone else in the game could have taken five frames off him so I'm pleased with that at least.

"I don't think there are any finals he has played better than that because there is no way he could.

"I cannot be disappointed that I didn't win it three times because I've won it twice."

And now Williams, who triumphed over the seven times world champion in the Powerhouse UK Championships final last month, expects to get a few messages about yesterday's match over the next few days.

He added: "He'll be winding me up for a while now. I'm going to have to turn my phone off!"

Williams picked up a £42,500 for his week's work but there was no way he could get within reach of his opponent yesterday.