The O’sullivan era looks set to go on for years yet
Ken Doherty is convinced Ronnie O’sullivan will rule the world for many years to come.
Former world champion Doherty watched in awe as the Rocket won an incredible seventh world title in Sheffield last week.
O’sullivan levelled Stephen Hendry’s long-standing record of coveted Crucible crowns and, aged 46, became the oldest player to have won the green baize game’s greatest prize.
However, Dubliner Doherty is convinced the world No. 1 and crowd favourite isn’t finished yet.
“It was amazing what he achieved this year, just amazing,” praised Doherty.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s going to win another world title. Looking around there’s not that many players who I think can stop him.
“He’s still got the appetite, he’s still got the love for the game and he’s always striving to be better.
“He’s got the hunger and the desire to be recognised as the greatest – and his genius needs to be consolidated as the greatest of all time.
“Winning an eighth world title would do that.
“He’s just such a unique talent, but also how he makes it look so easy.
“How he plays under such extreme pressure is incredible really. He makes it look as though he’s just playing in a snooker club.
“There’s only certain sporting individuals in life who can make it look so easy when it’s so difficult – and Ronnie is one of them.
“He’s got an incredible gift.
That comes with natural talent and his confidence. He’s very confident in his ability.”
A visibly emotional O’sullivan broke down in tears after his stellar display in Sheffield, which resulted in an emphatic 18-13 victory over Judd Trump in this year’s final. And 1997 Crucible champion Doherty was delighted to see snooker’s top star savour the special moment with his family.
“It was a beautiful moment, it was emotional,” added Doherty.
“For all of his deflection talk and saying he’s not interested in records, you could see how much it meant to him.
“I spoke to him afterwards and I just told him how happy I was for him. I think a lot of people are.”
Doherty joked: “I think the only one not happy for him was Stephen Hendry!”
O’sullivan has bettered all of Hendry’s major records having won as impressive 39 ranking titles, pocketed more century breaks and won more majors than any other player.
And with snooker’s elite struggling to topple him at the top, Doherty believes the Rocket can dominate for years to come.
“We will never see the likes of Ronnie O’sullivan again,” offered Doherty.
“The way he plays, the speed he plays – whether that’s left or right-handed – he’s the complete package.
“You just have to appreciate how special a talent he is. He’s that good.”