Hendry’s just happy to be in the debate
Scottish snooker legend Stephen Hendry is content with just being ‘in’ the debate over who is the greatest snooker player of all time.
Hendry has seen all of his major career records snatched by rival Ronnie O’Sullivan, except for his prized seven world titles.
The Rocket, a fivetime world champion, holds the most Triple Crown titles – World Championship, UK Championship and Masters – has potted the most maximum 147 breaks and is tied with Hendry on an impressive 36 ranking crowns.
O’Sullivan overtook Hendry’s career century breaks, and is the only player to have made over 1000 in the professional game.
And retired Hendry admitted: “Whenever you go on social media, the debate as tow hoist he best is massive.
“Ronnie is still playing and, even though I have won more world titles, he probably gets 70% of the vote.
“But I have always followed the Tiger Woods mantra that as long as you are in the conversation, well then you have done something well.
“The battle in snooker is between your ears. It’s a very mental sport. Even if you aren’t feeling confident, try to portray that you are.
“One of the reasons I stopped playing was because I lost that thrill from winning. I did enjoy winning a lot.
“I was never one to support underdogs, I’ve always liked winners like Michael Schumacher, Woods and the Roger Federers of the world.”
And the allconquering Scot says watching six-time world champion, and his good friend, Steve Davis dominate in the 1980s was what spurred him on to become a prolific winner.
“Overa10-year period I did totally dominate the game,” reflected Hendry.
“Steve Davis, was the benchmark, he dominated the ’80s and I wanted to be like him.
“I was just greedy. I would win a tournament on the Sunday night and be practising on the Monday for the next one.”
▪ Former world champion Neil Robertson yesterday roared to a convincing 6-1 win in the European Masters over last week’s runner-up, Ali Carter, in the Austrian Alps.
Breaks of 55, 79 and 64 did the damage as the world No, 5 booked his spot in today’s showcase final.
The ‘Thunder from Down Under’ will take on either former cabbie Gary Wilson or Chinese young gun Zhou Yuelong.