Ronnie O'Sullivan likens Kyren Wilson to snooker legends Stephen Hendry and John Higgins - 'He is the motivation for a lot of players'
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Published 12/08/2025 at 21:14 GMT+1
Ronnie O'Sullivan has compared Kyren Wilson to snooker legends Stephen Hendry and John Higgins "in their prime", as The Warrior attempts to close the gap on world No.1 Judd Trump. Wilson knocked O'Sullivan out in the quarter-finals during his recent victory at the Shanghai Masters. He's now into the last 16 of the Saudi Arabia Masters after surviving a scare in the fifth round.
O’Sullivan compares Wilson to ‘Hendry, Higgins in their prime’ – ‘He is the motivation’
Video credit: TNT Sports
Fresh off the back of his victory at the Shanghai Masters, Kyren Wilson is now being compared to snooker legends Stephen Hendry and John Higgins.
The accolade comes from Ronnie O’Sullivan, who was knocked out by The Warrior in the competition’s quarter-final stage.
Wilson, 33, went on to defeat Zhao Xintong in the semis before beating fellow Englishman Ali Carter 11–9 in the thrilling final on August 3.
It was his second taste of success in Shanghai, having won the Masters there a decade ago.
"I got completely hammered by Kyren," admitted seven-time world champion O’Sullivan during the Saudi Arabia Masters, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"To see him play the way he’s playing, he is the motivation for a lot of players at the moment to try and get to that level.
"He’s so strong, so so strong. It was a bit like playing Hendry in his prime, a bit like playing John Higgins in his prime.
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O’Sullivan enjoying his snooker with ‘one of the best cues I’ve ever had’
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He’s got that similar sort of game, he plays the right shot committed. Very good safety player, great temperament, great bottle, scores very well… he’s got the all-round game really.
"He’s definitely the yardstick, not that I can compete with him as he’s got 18 years on me, but he’s definitely someone who can motivate you and you can learn from him and try and put it into your own game."
Wilson scooped the £210,000 top prize for his success in Shanghai and is now attempting to close the gap on world No.1 Judd Trump at the Saudi Arabia Masters.
He has a real opportunity to make a mark after defending champion Trump crashed out in his fifth round opener, losing 5–3 to Olives Lines who fought off a comeback to secure his place in the last 16.
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Wilson lets out huge roar after stealing frame to wrap up thrilling Shanghai Masters victory
Video credit: TNT Sports
Wilson looked to be in trouble himself going behind to Ukraine’s Iulian Boiko, however The Warrior survived the scare to ultimately win 5–4.
Success in Jeddah is a lucrative pursuit with £500,000 awarded to the winner, a pot only matched by the World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible.
Victory would take Wilson’s overall season earnings to £710,000, with the potential for more as £50,000 is on the line for any player making a 147 in Saudi Arabia.
- 'I could barely feel my legs' - Lines stuns Trump as defending champion exits Saudi
- O'Connor sends cue ball flying off the table - 'That was a miscue and a half!'
After his Shanghai victory he told TNT Sports: "This sets me up nicely for what is to come.
"I’ve had to wait a long time to get going again in professional competition, but this was definitely worth the wait."
The last 16 of the Saudi Arabia Masters gets underway on Wednesday, August 13, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Watch and stream top snooker action live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+
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