Snooker Legend Stephen Hendry Names His Crucible Champion Pick
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry has revealed his prediction for the upcoming World Snooker Championship, selecting Mark Selby as his favourite to lift the trophy at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. The iconic venue will host the prestigious tournament for the 50th time in just a few days, with defending champion Zhao Xintong aiming to retain his title.
Hendry's Confidence in Selby's Championship Credentials
Mark Selby, known as 'The Jester from Leicester', already boasts four world titles to his name, with his most recent victory coming five years ago. Hendry believes Selby is primed for another triumph, particularly following his impressive performance at the UK Open. "My tip is Selby," Hendry told Metro. "I just think he's due a good World Championship. And obviously if he plays like he played in the UK, at his best, he's almost unplayable."
Despite reaching the final once since his last championship win, Selby has suffered first-round exits in his two most recent Crucible appearances. Hendry's endorsement suggests he sees Selby overcoming these recent setbacks to reclaim snooker's ultimate prize.
Major Concerns Raised About Judd Trump's Crucible Ambition
In a surprising assessment, Hendry expressed significant doubts about world number one Judd Trump's prospects of adding to his single 2019 title. The Scottish snooker legend questioned whether success at the Crucible holds the same importance for Trump as it does for other top players.
"Trump is a bit of an enigma for me at the Crucible," Hendry stated. "I don't know whether it means as much to him, which if it doesn't, it surprises me." This concern about Trump's motivation represents a substantial critique from one of the sport's most decorated champions.
Hendry's Verdict on Other Championship Contenders
Hendry also offered his perspective on other potential challengers for the world title:
- Ronnie O'Sullivan: Hendry refuses to rule out 'The Rocket', believing O'Sullivan remains capable of special performances that could lead to championship success. "O'Sullivan is like the elephant in the room if he plays, because we all know he knows how to get it done at the Crucible," Hendry explained.
- Neil Robertson: The Australian receives a less favourable assessment, with Hendry noting his limited Crucible success beyond his single title and lacklustre season performance outside of Saudi Arabia events.
- Zhao Xintong: Regarding the defending champion's chances of breaking the 'Crucible curse' (no first-time winner has successfully defended their title), Hendry believes it's possible but depends heavily on the draw.
O'Sullivan's Championship Potential Despite Challenges
Hendry highlighted O'Sullivan's recent achievements, including two maximum breaks and a remarkable 153 clearance at the Saudi Arabia Masters, as evidence of his enduring talent. "I think this year he's going to have something to say about the world title," Hendry predicted. "I think he's going to be there or thereabouts. I'm certainly not going to write him off."
The snooker legend emphasized that if O'Sullivan navigates the early rounds successfully, his extensive Crucible experience could prove decisive in the latter stages of the tournament.
Defending Champion's Prospects in Historic Tournament
As Zhao Xintong prepares to defend his maiden world championship title, Hendry acknowledged the psychological challenge of returning to the Crucible as defending champion. "When you walk down those stairs as defending champion, it's a massive thing," Hendry noted, while suggesting the pressure might be less significant for the Chinese player than for others in his position.
With the championship approaching, Hendry's insights provide a compelling preview of the narratives likely to dominate snooker's most prestigious event, from Selby's quest for a fifth title to questions about Trump's Crucible commitment and O'Sullivan's enduring championship pedigree.
