Snooker legend John Higgins has declared that there is 'no debate' that Ronnie O'Sullivan is the greatest player of all time, ahead of Stephen Hendry. The Scot, who has faced both icons during his professional career spanning over three decades, believes O'Sullivan's achievements put him ahead in the GOAT discussion.
Higgins made the comments after losing to O'Sullivan in the 2022 World Snooker Championship semi-final, stating that a seventh title would cement his rival's status. O'Sullivan went on to defeat Judd Trump in the final, equalling Hendry's record of seven world titles. Higgins told Eurosport: 'I think it would cement his place as the best in everybody's eyes. There is no debate in my eyes.'
O'Sullivan, now 48 and ranked world No. 4, continues to perform at a high level. He holds a record eight Masters titles, 41 ranking event trophies, and was the first player to reach 1,000 career centuries. In contrast, Hendry, who retired for the second time in June 2024, has 36 ranking titles and six Masters victories, with five consecutive world titles from 1990 to 1993.
Head-to-head, O'Sullivan leads Hendry 30 wins to 21, with five draws, in 56 meetings. Despite their fierce rivalry, O'Sullivan has called Hendry the 'greatest player' and 'the Tiger Woods of snooker'. However, both Hendry and 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy have hailed O'Sullivan as the 'GOAT', with Murphy stating on the BBC: 'Stephen, I feel safe these days with the word I'm about to write: GOAT.' Hendry agreed, adding: 'He is the GOAT because he's taken the game onto a new level. He is an artist.'
