MARK WILLIAMS can expect another batch of mickey-taking messages from his best friend Stephen Hendry this week after crashing out of the European Open at the semi-final stage.

Williams constantly teased the seven times world champion after beating him in the UK Championships and Benson and Hedges Masters this season.

And when Hendry - who lost last night's final 9-6 to Ronnie

O'Sullivan - turned over the Cwm-born green baize ace at the Regal Welsh in Cardiff, Williams' mobile phone was hit by a barrage of texts for a few days as his stablemate went on a revenge mission.

So, after Hendry shattered the Gwent man's chances of lifting the Euro crown in Torquay at the weekend, their friendly rivalry started again.

The Scotsman put out the Welshman 6-3 on Saturday but Williams reckoned there was a reason for his downfall which was nothing to do with his form.

He said after his loss: "The table's been really bad all week and there was nothing different today.

"Obviously I'm disappointed to lose but I'm glad I've not got to play any more matches at this venue. I feel sorry for those players who've got to play their world championship qualifiers here next week."

Hendry, though, was of a different opinion, saying: "The table was playable. It's not as bad as some I've played on this season."

Williams took the opening frame of the match without Hendry potting a ball.

But the Scotsman built up a 3-1 lead at the interval.

Williams drew level at 3-3 but he enjoyed no further success.