Stephen Hendry, a seven-time world champion, is closely watching the unfolding drama in professional snooker, and a particular player has caught his eye as a strong contender for this year’s Crucible title.
This season has been remarkably unpredictable, with a staggering fourteen different players claiming ranking event victories – a testament to the rising depth of talent in the sport. Picking a favorite in Sheffield has never been more challenging.
Barry Hawkins recently added his name to that list of champions, winning the Welsh Open and further muddying the waters. However, beyond those fourteen, formidable players like Kyren Wilson, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and John Higgins also loom large in the championship conversation.
With the World Open and Tour Championship still ahead, the landscape could shift dramatically. But Hendry currently favors a player who has already secured three titles this season, demonstrating a consistent winning edge.
Mark Selby’s triumph at the UK Championship was a masterclass, and he’s also claimed victories at the Champion of Champions and Championship League Invitational. His remarkable 63 centuries this campaign outpace all rivals.
Hendry believes Selby’s potent combination of exceptional scoring ability and an unparalleled safety game makes him the player to beat at the Crucible. It’s a formula for success honed over years of relentless competition.
“I love watching Selby,” Hendry remarked. “I think Selby’s a genius, always have done. His safety play is on another level – he envisions shots I could never even conceive of.”
He continued, emphasizing Selby’s evolved game, “What he’s done this season is score. He’s top of the centuries list, scoring heavily. If he can replicate the form he showed at the UK Championship, he remains the favorite, even with the emergence of exciting players like Xintong.”
Hendry also holds the current world champion, Zhao Xintong, in high regard. The “Cyclone” has been in blistering form, winning the World Grand Prix and Players Championship in quick succession.
While a recent defeat at the Welsh Open might suggest a slight dip in momentum, Hendry believes Xintong is operating at a different level altogether. The challenge for the defending champion lies in navigating that crucial opening match.
“Even though he didn’t win last week, I think he’s operating at a different level to everyone else,” Hendry observed. “If he gets through the first round of the Crucible, he’s capable of a very deep run.”
However, Hendry cautions that further success in upcoming events – the World Open in China and the Tour Championship – could potentially impact Xintong’s focus. Maintaining peak performance throughout a grueling schedule is a delicate balance.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, the pursuit of a record eighth world title remains his sole obsession. His preparation and participation in other events appear secondary to this ultimate goal.
Hendry suggests O’Sullivan’s priorities have shifted, and he’s less concerned with tournaments outside of the World Championship. The drive to etch his name further into snooker history is the only thing that truly ignites his competitive spirit.
“I think the way Ronnie lives his life now, I don’t think he puts a lot of importance on much,” Hendry explained. “He’s stated publicly that the only thing he’s interested in is trying to win an eighth world title.”
Despite a potentially relaxed approach to other events, Hendry is confident O’Sullivan will bring his A-game to the Crucible. The legendary competitor always rises to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
