Snooker icon Stephen Hendry has claimed that only Mark Selby can beat Ronnie O’Sullivan when the seven-time world champion is at his best.
O’Sullivan, who shares the record of seven World Championship titles with Hendry, was a topic of discussion with two-time major winner Jimmy White on Hendry’s YouTube show, Cue Tips. O’Sullivan currently leads Selby 12-8 in their head-to-head record.
However, four-time world champion Selby did get the better of his 49-year-old rival in the Crucible final in 2014. Selby has also won their last two clashes – in the Championship League in January and a stunning 6-0 whitewash at the 2024 Players Championship.
Hendry and White both agreed that, while the eight-time Masters winner is the greatest to currently play the game, Selby can foil him. “At his best he’s [O’Sullivan] still the best,” said Hendry.
“One player who can beat Ronnie when he’s at his best, Selby.” he added. White said: “With O’Sullivan, he’s got that art of like he’s just playing in practice, hasn’t he? There’s no thought of what’s going on.
“I think [Steve] Davis took it to a level. He was good with the balls and a good long potter, and you [Hendry] come along and took it to another level of scoring, and then O’Sullivan’s come along and he’s took a bit of Davis, a bit of you, and he’s got the [Ray] Reardon tactical side, so he’s took it to another level. Whether anyone can come through and be better than O’Sullivan, I don’t think so.”
White also assessed O’Sullivan’s prospects for the upcoming 2025 World Championships, which will get underway in April. The Rocket has withdrawn from seven ranking tournaments this season, with the star yet to pick up a cue professionally since his cue-snapping incident at the Championship League in January.
During the 3-2 defeat by Robert Milkins, an irate O’Sullivan slammed his cue against the side of the table, breaking it on impact after missing a shot. He has also missed several high-profile events recently including the Masters, the German Masters, the Welsh Open and the World Open.
O’Sullivan issued a statement of apology for his withdrawal at the Welsh Open. “I’ve been trying to prioritise my health and well-being,” he said. “I’m doing what I can to get back to my best, and I’m grateful for all your support and understanding.”
However, White believes, while the 49-year-old will be gunning for Hendry’s record, his current lack of game time could have a detrimental effect on him. “Well listen, he’d like to get to eight to beat your [Hendry’s] record, but you know, you’ve got to get your act together,” White said.
“I think he will get it together for the Crucible this year. Whether he’ll win it or not I don’t know.”