Snooker icon Stephen Hendry has officially anointed Ronnie O'Sullivan as the greatest player in the sport's history, following The Rocket's extraordinary record-breaking season that culminated in his eighth World Championship title.
The Ultimate Endorsement
Hendry, who held the record of seven world titles for decades before O'Sullivan matched and then surpassed it, made the stunning declaration during an appearance on SportsBoom. The Scottish legend, known as the 'King of the Crucible' during his dominant era, conceded that O'Sullivan's longevity and sustained excellence have elevated him to unprecedented heights.
'He's taken the game to a completely different level,' Hendry stated emphatically. 'The way he's played this season, winning tournaments at will while making it look effortless - there's no debate anymore. Ronnie is the GOAT.'
A Season for the History Books
O'Sullivan's 2023/24 campaign has been nothing short of legendary. The 48-year-old Englishman captured his record-extending eighth UK Championship title before adding an unprecedented eighth World Championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. His victory over Kyren Wilson in the final cemented his status as snooker's most successful competitor.
What makes O'Sullivan's achievements even more remarkable is his continued dominance across multiple decades. Having won his first world title in 2001, his ability to maintain peak performance while younger challengers emerge has left the snooker world in awe.
Mutual Respect Between Titans
The relationship between Hendry and O'Sullivan has evolved from fierce rivalry to mutual admiration. Hendry acknowledged that watching O'Sullivan break his records has been challenging but necessary for the sport's progression.
'When you've held records for so long, it's difficult to see them broken,' Hendry admitted. 'But if anyone was going to do it, you'd want it to be Ronnie. He's brought more attention to snooker than anyone in history.'
Hendry's endorsement carries particular weight given his own legendary status. During his peak in the 1990s, many considered him unbeatable, and his seven world titles seemed an insurmountable benchmark.
The Numbers Don't Lie
O'Sullivan's statistical supremacy reinforces Hendry's assessment:
- 8 World Championship titles (record)
- 8 UK Championship titles (record)
- 8 Masters titles (record)
- 1,256 century breaks (record)
- 15 maximum 147 breaks (record)
- 41 ranking titles (record)
The Essex-born star shows no signs of slowing down, recently telling fans he's 'enjoying his snooker more than ever' and plans to continue competing at the highest level.
What Makes Ronnie Special?
Hendry pinpointed O'Sullivan's unique combination of natural talent and mental strength as the key to his sustained success. 'He has everything - the technique, the temperament, the showmanship. But what separates him is his ability to perform when it matters most. That's the mark of true greatness.'
As the snooker world absorbs Hendry's definitive pronouncement, one thing is clear: Ronnie O'Sullivan's status as the greatest of all time is now official, coming from the one man qualified to make such a judgment.
