Rocket gets Hendry vote

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN is the star turn of the illustrious class of ’92, according to snooker 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 have crashed out in the first round in Sheffield – the survivors being the three who all turned pro 26 years ago this summer.

And record seven-time world champion Hendry insists O’Sullivan has the box office edge over John Higgins and Mark Williams. He 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 from anyone else out there.

“He brings the X-Factor to snooker when he is on form.

“When you look at his temperament, he shows more emotion than maybe John Higgins or Mark Williams.

“If he is not happy, you will know. You can’t say that of Mark Williams, while John only occasionally betrays his feelings if he is not playing well. But Ronnie has got that extra bit of sparkle.

“Looking at the three, if you were asked to pick one that maybe for the public stands out above the other two, you would have to pick Ronnie.”

Hendry said that O’Sullivan would remain arguably the biggest name in the sport even when he retires.

“That is not only for what he has achieved but the way he has done it,” he added.

“He brings something very unique and special to the game. The fans and public see that, and they appreciate it. He is box office, and one of very few players that other professionals would go and watch, or turn on the TV for.”

Anthony McGill showed true grit to pull off a stunning Crucible comeback win over Ryan Day yesterday.

The Glaswegian reeled off the last five frames for a dramatic

10-5 victory against Day, one of the in-form players of the season. He now meets China’s

No.1 Ding Junhui in the last 16.