 The defending champion was seven @-@ time world champion Stephen Hendry who defeated O 'Sullivan 9 – 6 in last year 's final . Hendry was still angry at his loss at the Grand Prix to McCulloch , explaining , " The way I felt at the Grand Prix was down to the fact that I know what I ’ m still capable of " . The total prize fund was £ 200 @,@ 000 and the host broadcaster was Eurosport . O 'Sullivan was considered the favourite , with his mentor Ray Reardon saying " Ronnie is in the form of his life and looks very close to being unstoppable at the moment " . Although few top players reached the final eight in the Grand Prix , O 'Sullivan said he would not be surprised if they performed well in this tournament . 
