Ronnie O'Sullivan: What does Stephen Hendry expect from snooker GOAT ahead of Shanghai Masters return? - 'It is the elephant in the room'
Published 25/07/2025 at 13:23 GMT+1
Stephen Hendry says he is "excited" to see what Ronnie O'Sullivan can bring to the table ahead of his fellow seven-time world champion's return to competitive action at the Shanghai Masters. "I'm excited to see if he can come back because at his best, he's still close to being the best," said the Scotsman. The elite invitational event starts on Monday, and is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
'I think I have lost what I used to have' - O'Sullivan reflects on loss to Zhao
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ronnie O'Sullivan will have "something to prove" after failing to win a trophy last season, according to fellow seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry.
O'Sullivan ended the season as world No. 5 despite being unhappy with his performance levels that saw him smash his old cue into pieces at the Championship League in January before taking a three-month break from competitive play.
His best returns of the campaign saw him reach semi-finals at the Shanghai Masters, Xi'an Grand Prix, Riyadh Season Championship and World Championship, but he has expressed his desire to achieve sustained improvement in the months ahead.
O’Sullivan has been practising in Hong Kong ahead of his quest for a record-extending sixth Shanghai title.
The tournament starts on Monday, and is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"He didn't play last season, and his appearance at the World Championship was a shadow of what Ronnie is," said Hendry on the World Snooker Tour podcast.
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"It is the elephant in the room. Is he going to come back and apply himself? He said before he was going to apply himself for five years, give it everything and see what he can do.
"It will be interesting to see. He's starting off at the Shanghai Masters, a tournament he loves where he has had unbelievable success."
The sport's fabled 'Class of '92' all turn 50 this year, but astonishingly occupy three of the top five spots in the world rankings, with Mark Williams losing 18-12 to Zhao Xintong in the Crucible final and John Higgins winning the World Open and Tour Championship.
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'Incredible, amazing, phenomenal!' - Williams beats Higgins in dramatic decider to move into semis
Video credit: TNT Sports
Hendry wonders if changes off the table will benefit O'Sullivan, who has relocated to Dubai during the close season.
"How long can Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan stay relevant at the top of the game? Williams is three, Higgins four and Ronnie at five. It is absolutely incredible," said Hendry.
"Can these three still be in the top 16 at the end of the season?
"Ronnie is now a married man. Will that change things? Big changes in his life.
"He's been with Layla [Rouass] for a long time so that won't change much in terms of his career, but he's moved to Dubai. That is a big change.
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"I think Ronnie might have something to prove this season. He took most of last season off.
"He didn't really play well at the World Championship. The cues and tips situation masked what was... his technique wasn't great.
"He was decelerating a lot on shots. Every shot he missed, he missed thin, basically. His long game was all over the place. It will be interesting to see if he has worked through the summer.
"He has got two nice tournaments to start for him. Shanghai and the Saudi Arabia Masters. Not in the UK, but places he enjoys going too, and has had success.
"I'm excited to see if he can come back, because at his best, he's still close to being the best."
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'Saw what he thought of that!' - O'Sullivan punches table in 'frustration' after pot
Video credit: TNT Sports
The invitational competition, staged from July 28 to August 3, involves the top 16 in the world rankings with the four highest-ranked Chinese players and four amateur wildcards making up the 24-player field.
O'Sullivan is due to begin his quest on Wednesday against Barry Hawkins or Wu Yize in the last 16.
"My whole life I've been preparing to be the best I can be, so obviously you have to practice and keep sharp, but I'm ready all the time," said O'Sullivan, who lost 17-7 to winner Zhao Xintong in the Crucible semi-finals.
"I work very hard to become the king of snooker, but there are many, many, very, very good players like Zhao Xintong, world champion. [He is a] fantastic player.
"I like to still be able to compete with these young guys who are very, very good. I feel blessed."
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Trump seals Shanghai Masters title with record 10th century
Video credit: TNT Sports
World No. 1 Judd Trump will begin his title defence on Tuesday in the chase for the £210,000 first prize against Neil Robertson or Pang Junxu in the last 16.
Trump defeated Shaun Murphy 11-5 in the final to claim the title for the first time last year.
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