But with only five ranking-event tournaments scheduled thus far for the season, the all-conquering Scot admitted he could be tempted to go and play across the pond to fill the gap in the domestic calendar.

The next tournament, the UK Championship in York, is nearly two months away.

“I haven’t ruled out playing in America,” said Hendry.

“If there are no more tournaments added I could be looking at playing pool. Why not? You don’t want to be sat at home twiddling your fingers all day.”

World number one Ronnie O’Sullivan has already expressed his desire to play the eight-ball format of the game – and more players could follow him.

Hendry admits there would have to be significant prize money on offer to be enticed to play pool on the other side of the world.

He added: “The money would have to be really good for me to go over there and put my reputation on the line.

“There’s no reason why you wouldn’t play a sport that you can be competitive at.

“Pool is not really my game and for the moment I’ve not said I will go, but I really haven’t ruled it out.”

World number nine Mark Williams became the eighth member of the top 16 world-ranked players to be knocked out of the Grand Prix.

The former world champion’s decline continued with a 5-3 defeat to Irishman Fergal O’Brien.

“I’m disappointed with the way I played,” admitted Williams.

“It looked like I was going to go 4-4, but I had some bad luck and Fergal closed out the match.

“I’m missing too many balls at the moment and I’ve got to sort it out sooner rather than later, otherwise I’ll be playing at Pontins (where qualifying takes place) next season.”

Meanwhile, Bristol young gun Andrew Norman shocked Aussie hotshot Neil Robertson with a crushing 5-1 win in their first-round clash.

Norman took the first frame with a break of 56, before Robertson responded with a breathtaking break of 122.

However, from there on in Norman took control, winning the next four frames, the highlight of which was a high break of 57 in the fourth frame.

“So far, so good,” said a delighted Norman.

“That was a lovely result for me. It’s the first time I’ve ever reached the last 32.

“I held myself together out there, got nervous in the fourth frame, but potted five dream reds to win the match.”

Norman now meets Irishman Michael Judge in the next round, but has no fears about playing his new opponent despite losing to him last season.

“Michael drubbed me when we played each other last, but I’m a better player now and I’ve got nothing to lose.

“It’s on the day and if I play well then I could get through. I’ve worked hard over the summer and I’m hoping to have a good run this season.”