Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has issued a brutally honest assessment of fellow veterans Mark Williams and Stephen Hendry's futures in the sport, suggesting their days at the top level may be numbered.
The Rocket, who continues to dominate the green baize at 48 years old, believes that even the greatest players must eventually face reality about their competitive capabilities.
The Stark Warning to Snooker Veterans
Speaking candidly about his contemporaries, O'Sullivan didn't mince words when discussing three-time world champion Mark Williams and seven-time title holder Stephen Hendry.
"If I was Mark Williams or Stephen Hendry, I'd be thinking 'I'm not sure I can compete with these younger players anymore'," O'Sullivan stated during his appearance on the Hendry's Cue Tips YouTube channel.
His comments come despite Williams recently reaching the semi-finals of the World Open, proving he can still challenge the sport's elite competitors.
O'Sullivan's Own Dominance Defies Age
Remarkably, O'Sullivan continues to perform at the pinnacle of the sport while approaching his fifth decade. The world number one recently secured his eighth Masters title and shows no signs of slowing down.
"I'm just enjoying my snooker," O'Sullivan revealed. "I'm playing well, I'm competing, and as long as I feel I can win tournaments, I'll keep going."
His perspective highlights the fine line between competitive drive and realistic self-assessment that all professional athletes must eventually confront.
The Generation Gap in Modern Snooker
O'Sullivan acknowledged the changing landscape of professional snooker, where younger players are increasingly challenging the established hierarchy.
"The game's moved on," he explained. "The younger players are so good now, they're so dedicated, they're so professional."
This generational shift creates increasing pressure on veteran players to maintain their standards against hungrier, often physically sharper opponents.
While O'Sullivan continues to defy age and expectation, his comments serve as a sobering reminder that even snooker royalty must eventually confront their sporting mortality.
