Stephen Hendry reveals which world snooker record he wants to hold forever as Ronnie O'Sullivan chases Crucible gold - 'I'd rather Ronnie won eight'

Stephen Hendry has seen and done it all in snooker, becoming the youngest winner of the World Championship at the age of 21 in 1990 before claiming six more Crucible crowns in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1999. The Scotsman also won six Masters (1989-1996) and the UK Championship five times (1989-1996) in a golden career that delivered 36 ranking titles, second only to Ronnie O'Sullivan's 41.

Stephen Hendry continues to hold three key golden records in snooker, but has revealed which one he doesn't want to see broken in the years ahead.

The seven-time world champion saw Ronnie O'Sullivan equal his haul of Crucible titles in 2022 with an 18-13 win over Judd Trump in the 46th world final, but continues to hold two other key records in the sport.

He remains the youngest world champion of all time with his 18-12 win over Jimmy White in the 1990 final, achieved at the age of only 21.

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He also produced the most century breaks in a best-of-19 frame match with a remarkable seven of 777 career tons compiled in his 10-5 win over Ken Doherty in the 1994 UK Championship final in Preston.

Asked by a fan which record he would like to see stand the test of time, Hendry, who won another six world titles between 1992 and 1999, said on the World Snooker Tour podcast: "I've got three records which I'm really proud of.

"Obviously, the seventh, the youngest winner and seven centuries in a final. I'd rather have Ronnie win eight, I think.

"You're going to have to be special to win it before 21. Si Jiahui had a chance a couple of years ago, but lost [17-15] to Luca Brecel [in the 2023 semi-finals].

"I was getting plenty of digs when it looked like he was going to beat Luca.

"I don't know what it is, but people seem to love seeing my records getting broken.

"Do I put it out there that I'm miserable?" he joked.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Hendry also expects O'Sullivan, who became the youngest winner of a ranking event at the age of 17 with a 10-6 win over the Scots in the 1993 UK final, to end his 18-month wait for a major title this season.

O'Sullivan is due to return to action in the first round of the Xi'an Grand Prix against Iulian Boiko on Tuesday at 12:30pm live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

It will be his first competitive match since losing 10-9 to Neil Robertson in an epic final of the Saudi Arabia Masters in Jeddah in August.

"I think Ronnie is going to win a tournament very soon," commented Hendry.

"I think he's playing very well. I thought his game looked good in Shanghai, and he was outstanding in Saudi from what I saw of him."

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