Snooker legend Stephen Hendry has admitted he does not want Ronnie O'Sullivan to equal his record of seven World Championship titles, but concedes it is likely only a matter of time. O'Sullivan, the world number one, reached his eighth career final at the Crucible on Saturday by defeating John Higgins 17-11, and now faces Judd Trump for the title.
Hendry, speaking to BBC Radio Four earlier this week, said: 'I think Ronnie is the man to beat, there is no doubt about it. He is playing superbly well and looks so focused, relaxed and composed. As for him equalling my record, I have kind of resigned myself these last two years that it is a matter of time.' He added: 'I have to be honest and say that I don't want him to. But it is going to happen when it is going to happen.'
O'Sullivan has already surpassed many of Hendry's records, including most ranking titles (38), most majors (20), most century breaks (1,159) and most 147s (15). Victory over Trump would give him an eighth world title, breaking clear of Ray Reardon and Steve Davis, who each have six.
However, O'Sullivan has acknowledged that his game has changed in recent years, and he must play at his best to beat Trump. 'I can't pot as well as Neil Robertson, Judd,' he told Eurosport. 'I have to play tight cue-ball control, good safety and manage my emotions. The last two or three years it has not been the case, and I have played alright. Now alright is not enough. I have to play well, so there's a lot less margin for error in my game.'
