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

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. Ad 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. SnookerHolt suffers setback in bid to regain tour place with Q School defeat7 HOURS 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.

»Is that what you think? 'I have to win eight' Or not. I know you're different to me. We're both winners and