Ronnie O’Sullivan concerns raised by Stephen Hendry as he rejects £2m suggestion

Stephen Hendry admits it is a ‘worry’ for snooker that Ronnie O’Sullivan is the ‘lone star’ in the sport. Hendry believes that snooker tournaments are never the same unless O’Sullivan, in the autumn of his career, is involved.

O’Sullivan holds the joint-record of seven World Championships with Hendry. But the latter is concerned about the future of the sport beyond O’Sullivan’s career.

The Rocket is by far the biggest name in the sport and can rake in huge sums in appearance money. Hendry insists snooker will not be the same when the 48-year-old eventually retires.

Speaking on Up Front With Simon Jordan about O’Sullivan’s impact on snooker, Hendry said: “Hugely important. If he’s not in a tournament it’s not the same. That is a worry.

“His truly great performances are going to be fewer and further between now than they were because he’s getting older, he’s doing other things. Getting himself up to play a tournament is going to be harder and harder.

READ MORE: Snooker star won ‘fastest frame ever’ and called O’Sullivan the ‘biggest p***k'[LATEST]

“On his day he’s still the best player by a mile. If he plays his best he wins. He is the superstar of snooker.

“He’s the only player who won’t go to China unless he’s getting appearance money, and he’ll get it. As far as I know, no other players are charging appearance money. He is the lone, true star in snooker.

“So that’s a worry. Although there are other players playing an unbelievable standard of snooker. [Neil] Robertson, [Judd] Trump, [Mark] Williams, [Mark] Selby, they’re all unbelievable snooker players. But unfortunately, and I think they know this, he is the one that brings that bit of stardust to the tournament.”

Hendry has also shut down suggestions that the World Championships should be moved from the Crucible Theatre. The tournament has been held in Sheffield since 1977 but there have been reports of interest from Saudi Arabia.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

DON’T MISS…
Snooker star pulls off incredible shot in ‘escape of the season’ at English Open[NEWS]
Snooker star wins ‘fastest frame in history’ after just one shot after big error[HISTORIC]
Eamonn Holmes on moment BBC co-stars stopped him being replaced by Gary Lineker[LATEST]

The 54-year-old does not want that to materialise, given its tradition in its long-term home of South Yorkshire. He would not want the World Championships to be moved even if the prize money became £2million.

However, he believes some of the younger generation in snooker, including Judd Trump, would be happy for the move to take place. Hendry continued: “I do, but I might be considered old school. I spoke to Judd about it in China and Judd would like to see it in Saudi Arabia if the first prize becomes £2m.

“But how would he feel about playing a World Championship in front of 20 people? He basically said he doesn’t care as long as he’s getting the big prize money, but I’d hate to see it.”

Source: Read Full Article