Ronnie is just a class apart
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN is the star turn of the famous class of ’92, according to legend Stephen Hendry.
‘The Rocket’ takes on Ali Carter at the Crucible in the Betfred World Championship today as he bids for a sixth world title.
Five former world champions lost in the first round in Sheffield, leaving in the draw the three who all turned pro during the same summer 26 years ago.
And record seven stands time world champion Hendry insists O’Sullivan has the box-office edge over John Higgins and Mark Williams.
Hendry said: “Ronnie stands out because if he plays as well as he can play, he wins. He brings flair and plays the game in a way that is different to anyone else out there.
“He brings the X factor to snooker when he is on form, and has that unpredictability that fans love and opponents dread.
“Looking at the three, if you were asked to pick one that maybe for the public just out, you would have to pick Ronnie.
“He is the biggest name not only for what he has achieved, but for the box-office way he has done it.
“He brings something very unique and special to the game, he is just different to everyone else. The fans see that and appreciate it.”
Anthony McGill showed true grit to pull off a stunning Crucible comeback win over Ryan Day.
The 27-yearold from Glasgow reeled off the final five frames for a 10-5 victory against Day.
World No14 McGill trailed 7-3 and then 8-5 but ended up winning on the final black in frame 18 after world No17 Day left it over the pocket.
McGill now plays China’s No1 Ding Junhui in the last 16.
“I can’t believe I won that match,” he said. “I was behind the whole way and nowhere near the required level. It just shows what can happen if you dig in and fight to the death.”