Mark Selby hails 'incredible' Ronnie O'Sullivan - 'He is the greatest player to ever play our game'

Mark Selby has paid tribute to the «incredible» Ronnie O'Sullivan and made it clear he believes the Rocket is «the greatest player to ever play our game». The four-time world champion was appearing on the World Snooker Tour podcast and was asked about O'Sullivan being an inspiration for all he has achieved in the sport.

Ad For the 39-year-old from Leicester, there is no doubt that O'Sullivan is the greatest player snooker has ever seen and he highlighted his «hunger» in addition to his unquestioned natural talents. SnookerO'Sullivan heads to Hong Kong as world No.

1, Allen on the riseA DAY AGO «He is the greatest player to ever play our game, for me,» Selby told the World Snooker Tour podcast. «To still be playing the standard he’s playing is incredible at his age, and to still be at the top of the game as world champion is incredible,» said Selby.

«The biggest thing for me is the hunger and you need to stay healthy as well. When you get older the hunger can go a little bit, you don’t put so many hours in and you can’t cheat this game, put a couple of hours in here and there and expect to win big tournaments.

»The hunger is still there at the moment and I’m healthy. As long as I maintain that aspect then who knows? «When you look at someone like Ronnie, that’s inspired me knowing he’s 46 and I’ve got seven years on him to keep playing and know I’m capable of winning more tournaments so fingers crossed.» O'Sullivan's 'selfishness' makes him a winner, Hearn tells The Breakdown Exclusive: ‘Horrendous’ – O’Sullivan opens up on drugs addiction which cost him ‘a few years' Exclusive: 'Like playing Djokovic at tennis' — O'Sullivan compares himself to star Asked about his own ambitions when it comes to winning a fifth World