Stephen Hendry believes that Ronnie O’Sullivan is adopting a similar approach to Mark Williams, which has led to a strong start to the season for O’Sullivan. After a challenging 2024/25 season that saw him withdraw from several tournaments due to a cue-smashing incident, O’Sullivan is now following a more restricted competition schedule at the age of 49. However, his performances have shown a renewed focus and energy when he does compete.
In a remarkable display, O’Sullivan achieved two maximum breaks in a single match on his way to the final of the Saudi Arabia Masters, where he narrowly lost to Neil Robertson. Additionally, O’Sullivan showcased good form at the Xi’an Grand Prix before being eliminated in the quarter-finals by Gary Wilson.
The Xi’an Grand Prix was won by Williams, a member of the ‘Class of 92,’ who defeated Shaun Murphy in the final to become the oldest-ever ranking tournament winner at 50 years and 206 days. Williams’ laid-back demeanor and ability to bounce back from setbacks have been key to his enduring success, a trait that Hendry believes has influenced O’Sullivan positively.
In an interview on the WST’s Snooker Club podcast, Hendry praised Williams for maintaining a high level of play despite minimal practice outside of competitions. He commended Williams for his approach, emphasizing his indifference to wins or losses, which he views as a formidable quality in any sport. Hendry highlighted the impact of composure and mindset in elevating athletes to a superior competitive level.
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