Ronnie O’Sullivan has reignited the snooker rivalry debate by labeling his long-time competitor Stephen Hendry a “freak” and praising the Scottish legend for his extraordinary achievements in the sport. O’Sullivan, often regarded as one of the greatest snooker players of all time, has never shied away from expressing his admiration for Hendry, who dominated the sport in the 1990s.
In a recent interview, O’Sullivan reflected on Hendry’s incredible career, which saw him win seven World Snooker Championships between 1990 and 1999, a record that remains unmatched in the modern era. O’Sullivan, who himself holds seven world titles, equaling Hendry’s tally, acknowledged just how special his rival was, both in talent and mentality.
Describing Hendry’s dominance, O’Sullivan stated, “Stephen was a freak of nature, a one-off. The way he dominated the game in the 90s was incredible. He didn’t just win; he won with such authority, such confidence, and no one could touch him during that period.”
Hendry’s winning mentality and relentless pursuit of perfection set him apart from his peers, and O’Sullivan was quick to highlight how this mindset was pivotal to his success. “He was like a machine. He had that ruthless streak, and once he got into a match, you knew he wasn’t going to give you a chance,” O’Sullivan added.
This isn’t the first time O’Sullivan has heaped praise on Hendry, but calling him a “freak” underscores just how rare and remarkable Hendry’s achievements were, even for someone like O’Sullivan, who is widely considered the most naturally gifted player the game has ever seen.
Despite their on-table rivalry, O’Sullivan and Hendry have always maintained a mutual respect for each other. While they never faced off as often as some of the sport’s other great rivalries largely due to Hendry’s early retirement in 2012 the two legends are often compared when discussing the greatest players in snooker history.
O’Sullivan, known for his flair and unpredictability, represents a different style of dominance from Hendry’s methodical, calculated approach. Where Hendry was known for his unyielding focus and tactical play, O’Sullivan has dazzled with his speed and creative shot-making. Yet, both players share a fierce competitive spirit and an ability to deliver under the highest pressure.
“Hendry had this aura about him,” O’Sullivan said. “When you played him, you felt like you were up against something more than just another player. He had this intensity and focus that could break you down.”
The debate over who is the greatest snooker player of all time is one that has long divided fans and experts alike. Hendry’s seven world titles, all won within a decade, made him the undisputed king of the 90s, but O’Sullivan’s longevity and skill across multiple decades have seen him challenge and surpass many of Hendry’s records.
O’Sullivan currently holds the record for the most ranking titles (39) and the most century breaks (over 1,200), further cementing his place in the snooker pantheon. Yet, when discussing greatness, O’Sullivan is always quick to bring up Hendry’s name.
“I think we pushed each other in different ways, even when we weren’t playing each other directly,” O’Sullivan said. “His success in the 90s set the benchmark for me and every other player. You knew that if you wanted to be the best, you had to try and match what Stephen did.”
Although Hendry retired in 2012 and later made a brief comeback in 2021, his legacy remains strong. His reign at the top of the sport in the 1990s transformed snooker and inspired a generation of players, including O’Sullivan. The Scot’s fierce work ethic, composure under pressure, and natural ability to dominate opponents left an indelible mark on the sport.
For O’Sullivan, who has enjoyed a career spanning over three decades, Hendry will always be the benchmark for greatness. “What Stephen did was remarkable. He was a true champion, and no matter what people say, he’ll always be up there as one of the greatest.”
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