Stephen Hendry hails Ronnie O'Sullivan for 'incredible longevity' in snooker – 'The greatest player to pick up a cue'

Updated 30/05/2023 at 13:44 GMT

Stephen Hendry believes Ronnie O'Sullivan will win an eighth world title if he is determined to become the most prolific Crucible winner of all time. Speaking during a few friendly frames with his old rival, Hendry was full of praise for O'Sullivan's longevity in the sport. "I think you will win eight," he said. Watch top snooker action live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com

'He could pot everyone off the table' - Trump on Hendry in his prime

Stephen Hendry has described Ronnie O'Sullivan as the greatest snooker player of all time as he backed his old rival to win a record eighth World Championship in Sheffield.

O'Sullivan equalled Hendry's 1990s record haul of seven world titles last year with an 18-13 final win over Judd Trump, but the Scotsman feels he has time on his side to become the most prolific Crucible winner in history.

Speaking on his YouTube channel Stephen Hendry's Cue Tips during a friendly few frames between arguably the two finest players in history on O'Sullivan's new practice table in Essex, Hendry was full of praise for the world No. 1.

World Championship

Allen confirmed as new world No. 1 after O'Sullivan and Trump crash out at Crucible

a few seconds ago

"I'm absolutely thrilled. Got the greatest player to pick up a cue," he said in introducing O'Sullivan, who responded by saying: "That's you, mate" before later commenting that Hendry was his "hero".

O'Sullivan has lifted the world title in 2001, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020 and 2022 with Hendry keen to know if the 39-time ranking event winner is determined to set a new target in the modern era of professionalism.

Hendry managed to overtake six-time world champions Steve Davis and Ray Reardon with his seventh title triumph coming in an 18-11 win against Mark Williams in 1999.

He remains the youngest winner of the World Championship with his 18-12 win over Jimmy White achieved when he was only 21 in 1990.

"I have to ask you [Ronnie]. When I equalled [Steve] Davis' six. Basically the next day, I thought: 'I have to win seven,' said Hendry, who conquered the Crucible in 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1999.

'Return of the king!' - Hendry opens up qualifying with fine century

"Is that what you think? 'I have to win eight' Or not. I know you're different to me. We're both winners and to me the next day, I thought I had to win seven.

"Listen, it would be brilliant if we both stayed on seven, but I think you will win eight. If I'm you, I'm thinking I've got to win eight now."

O'Sullivan admits he is not motivated by records, but is more focussed on the style and standard of his play under pressure.

He remains the youngest ranking event winner of all time courtesy of his 10-6 win over Hendry at the age of 17 years and 358 days in the 1993 UK Championship final.

"Yeah, I'd like to, but when I say I'm not bothered, I mean I would rather master the game," he said. "Which means I can master my opponent.

"When I'm playing well, the winning will take care of itself. So I'm not so bothered about chasing the trophies.

"Some people don't care how they play. As long as they win. I'm not that type of person. I just like to play well to give myself the best chance.

"I'm happy then and can enjoy the game. It becomes hard work if you struggle to win a tournament."

O'Sullivan intends to commit himself to a fuller schedule next season after admitting his disappointment in relinquishing his grip on the world title with a surprise 13-10 defeat to Luca Brecel in the quarter-finals of the 47th Crucible gathering.

"The last 10 years of my career, I was in gradual decline," said Hendry. "But maybe the 1990s was my time. But with you, the longevity is incredible."

O'Sullivan responded by saying he would have preferred Hendry's route to seven.

"Dominating for 10 years, you are king of the sport," he said. "There is no dispute, but with me I've come and gone."

Hendry also described O’Sullivan’s achievement in taking a year out between his fourth and fifth world titles in 2012 and 2013 as "unbelievable".

The Championship League is the first ranking event of the new 2023/24 season with Leicester's Morningside Arena hosting the various groups of the competition between June 26-July 21.

World champion Brecel lifted the title last year with a 3-1 win over Lu Ning and will be among the favourites with O'Sullivan, Mark Selby and Judd Trump among the leading men who competed in last year's event.