Stephen Hendry has cast doubt on Ronnie O'Sullivan's assertion that Wu Yize can surpass their joint record of seven world titles. The 22-year-old Chinese player won his first Crucible crown earlier this month, defeating Shaun Murphy in a final-frame decider.
O'Sullivan, who has been mentoring Wu, believes the young star can eventually overtake him and Hendry. However, the seven-time world champion is not convinced, suggesting that 2025 world champion Zhao Xintong, 29, remains the superior Chinese player at this stage.
Speaking on his Cue Tips show, Hendry said: 'Ronnie said that, he thinks Wu can take our seven world titles. That's obviously going to be a huge ask for Wu to do because of all the talent he's going to come up against. Xintong, I think, is going to be winning three, four world titles, so Wu's got to be in amongst that. It's not going to be easy.'
Hendry added: 'I've been asked who I think is the better player, Zhao Xintong or Wu Yize. I think Zhao's got a bit more finesse, a bit better cue ball control, but Wu Yize backs himself to pot these incredible balls. It's going to be incredible to see how their rivalry progresses over the next 15-20 years.'
Wu's £500,000 victory lifted him to fourth in the world rankings, one spot behind Zhao. Judd Trump leads the rankings, followed by Neil Robertson. O'Sullivan, speaking ahead of the World Championship, said: 'I think Wu Yize is going to be world number one in the next three years. Phenomenal snooker player.'
O'Sullivan compared Wu to a modern-day Steve Davis, praising his positional play and scoring power. Having won the World Seniors title last weekend, O'Sullivan now faces Luca Brecel in the final of the Snooker 900 Global Championship.
