Ronnie O’Sullivan, nicknamed “The Rocket,” recently lavished praise on one of his toughest adversaries, likening the challenge to playing Stephen Hendry in his prime. The Rocket described the encounter as “unreal” and said it was a true test of skill—packed with weighty acknowledgment from the greatest modern snooker player.
What O’Sullivan said
In remarks made to GB News following a recent clash, O’Sullivan said:
“He’s so strong, so so strong. It was a bit like playing Hendry in his prime, a bit like playing John Higgins in his prime.”
The comparison to Hendry is no small compliment. Hendry, a titan of the sport in the 1990s, held the world number one ranking for eight consecutive seasons and claimed seven World Championship titles, alongside five UK Championships and six Masters. He is often credited with redefining the sport through his heavily attacking style and break-building dominance.
For O’Sullivan, a peer of Hendry—he matched Hendry’s seven Crucible triumphs in 2022—this comparison suggests that his opponent was operating at a level worthy of “prime Hendry,” marking a rare moment of reverence in post-match analysis.
Who is the rival?
The player earning such high praise is Kyren Wilson, a fellow English professional around whom O’Sullivan has long held respect. Wilson has built a reputation as a formidable tactician, regularly competing at the sharp end of Triple Crown events. Though he’s yet to claim a World Championship crown, Wilson has:
- Won the Masters (2018);
- Reached multiple finals in major tournaments.
O’Sullivan’s statement, “it was a bit like playing Hendry in his prime,” suggests Wilson matched the consistency, precision, and psychological intensity that Hendry was famous for at his peak.
Why this comparison matters
- Test of sustained excellence
Hendry’s dominance wasn’t solely about skill—it was the relentless execution under pressure. To be compared to him is to be recognized as a player capable of imposing discipline, rhythm, and tactical supremacy across long sessions. - O’Sullivan’s yardstick
Ronnie doesn’t lavish compliments lightly. When he describes someone as “unreal,” it signals genuine admiration and acknowledgment of a match that pushed him to his limits. - Echoes of stellar rivals
By referencing both Hendry and John Higgins—another peer with a similarly bulletproof era—O’Sullivan subtly frames Wilson within a lineage of all-time greats. This goes beyond performance: it’s about character, mental fortitude, and elite match temperament.
Community response
Reactions among fans and pundits have been electric. On Reddit’s snooker forum, one user captured the sentiment well:
“He’s an unreal breakbuilder, but he’s almost robotic compared to O’Sullivan.”
Though referencing Judd Trump, the comment mirrors broader discussions around players like Wilson—resilient, calculating, and supremely efficient, if less flamboyant than O’Sullivan.
What makes Hendry comparisons rare
- Break-building dominance
Hendry reset the standard for century breaks. He racked up a record 528 centuries on the main tour, and his playing speed and precision were legendary. - Pressure cooker mastery
His mental game was arguably his greatest strength—overpowering opponents in long-frame matches, with a gold-tough nerve that few could challenge. - Game-changing style
Hendry’s era marked a shift toward aggressive snooker; he attacked frames relentlessly, often pouncing early and ruthlessly on errors.
For O’Sullivan to make the Hendry comparison means his rival not only matched technical precision, but also mental durability and tactical acuity across the match.
What it means for the sport
- Kyren Wilson’s validation
Being likened to Hendry by O’Sullivan adds gravitas to Wilson’s career. It confirms that he’s not just a contender—but a pressure-forging competitor capable of rise-and-grind excellence. - A reminder of prime competition
For fans, it’s thrilling to see current players reach an intensity and consistency that echo the golden eras of snooker. It reinforces that the present tour still harbors talents worthy of history. - Elevating the narrative
O’Sullivan’s comments will likely fuel renewed interest in Wilson’s matches and might even shape his seeding in key tournaments—as a man now publicly recognized as a “prime-level” opponent.
In summary
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s description of a rival as reminiscent of “Hendry in his prime” is high praise in snooker’s rarefied world. It’s more than acknowledging technical skill—it’s recognizing an opponent who grips sessions, withstands pressure, and delivers frame after frame of precision and mental strength. For Kyren Wilson, it’s vindication. For snooker, it’s proof that the echoes of its greatest era still sound in today’s Crucible.
