Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
I’VE NO DOUBT O’SULLIVAN IS GREATEST EVER
MARK ALLEN has no doubt record-breaker Ronnie O’sullivan is snooker’s greatest-ever player.
Northern Ireland’s top player was denied his maiden UK Championship crown on Sunday after a potting masterclass from the Rocket, inset.
But instead of licking his wounds after a 10-6 defeat at York’s Barbican, Allen wants to raise his game so he can achieve greatness like the new seven-time UK champion.
“It’s up to me to go away, work hard on my game and get closer to Ronnie’s legend,” said Allen.
“At the moment, he’s by far and away better than everyone else.
“I’ve had a really good year. I’ve won the Masters, won the International Championship and made the final of the UK, so things have been going great for me.
“It took the greatest ever player to beat me [in York] and that was me not at my best these past two weeks.
“There’s a lot of positives to take. I’ll go away now and enjoy Christmas. Hopefully I’ll have an even better 2019.
“I don’t think there’s any question now Ronnie’s the greatest ever.
“I think Ronnie’s a bit of a perfectionist and he likes the challenge, but the challenge is to raise the bar and compete with him.”
O’sullivan has nearly broken all the major records in the sport and will soon become the first player to compile 1,000 professional centuries.
But Hendry’s impressive record of seven Crucible crowns is the next challenge for the ambitious five-time world champion.
However, Allen thinks that record could prove one step to far.
“Winning eight world titles is a tough one,” added Allen.
“Sheffield’s been a bit of a nemesis for him in recent years.
“It’s the ultimate test, a complete mental and physical test. He keeps himself in good shape so if anyone can do it Ronnie can.
“But if someone said that with my neck on the line then right now I’d say no he can’t beat Hendry’s record.
“It’s a scary thought that he could possibly get better when he’s already the best though.”
Meanwhile, O’sullivan has no doubts he’s earnt his seat at snooker’s top table.
“It’s not for me to judge but I think Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis are probably as good a judge as anybody,” said O’sullivan, who was showered with praise by the legend duo after his memorable UK win.
“I don’t want to say I’m the greatest, but I think I’ve earned my right to be talked about in that bracket.”