Ronnie O’Sullivan got one over Stephen Hendry with his recent win at the World Seniors Championship, with the Rocket delivering a statement response. The rules regarding competing in the seniors edition of the World Championship were relaxed earlier this season, allowing O’Sullivan to make his debut in the Crucible event.
O’Sullivan, who had been knocked out of the regular World Championship at the last 16 stage just weeks prior, demolished Joe Perry 10-4 in front of a packed crowd. The legendary snooker ace is no stranger to a Crucible triumph, with the seniors title marking the eighth global title he’s won at the famous venue.
While O’Sullivan and Hendry remain locked on seven World Championships apiece, the seniors’ title does give the former an edge in terms of Crucible global titles won. Hendry has competed in several senior events in the past, but unlike O’Sullivan on debut, hasn’t won the World Seniors Championship.
To which, with a smile on his face, he responded: “Of course I did. I actually have a slight feeling that Ronnie will do it (win an eighth title). I don’t know why because it’s obviously going to get more difficult for him all the time. There’s so many good players now, and at 50, how many more years has he got to win it?
“I tend to think he’s got another couple, and I don’t know whether it’s me being negative that he’s going to do it, or whether I truly believe it. But I’ve just got this feeling that he might do it. But yeah, I’m not going to lie, every time he goes out I do feel a sense of relief. You’re right.”
O’Sullivan has committed to remaining on tour for a few more years at least, while he goes in search of the elusive eighth title. However, the 50-year-old revealed the seniors’ win was no mean feat, with O’Sullivan praising the quality of competition.
Speaking to Channel 5 after the triumph, he explained: “This has been a tough tournament to win. Every match I played felt hard. I know it might not have looked it.
“But these guys are experienced competitors. I knew that in some of the games, I had to really dig deep. I didn’t expect I would have to. So, it’s been a great week.