Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry has named Mark Selby as his tip to win the 2026 World Snooker Championship however has not dominated out Ronnie O’Sullivan
Stephen Hendry has given his verdict on who might win the World Championship (Picture: Alex Pantling, Getty Pictures) This text comprises affiliate hyperlinks, we are going to obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Study extra
Seven-time World Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry has thrown his weight behind Mark Selby to assert glory on the Crucible this 12 months, however is not going to rule out Ronnie O’Sullivan’s prospects. The Jester from Leicester already boasts 4 titles to his title and is being tipped to safe yet one more, along with his final triumph coming 5 years in the past.
Sheffield’s Crucible will host the World Championship for a landmark fiftieth time in only a few days, as Zhao Xintong appears to be like to defend his crown a 12 months on from defeating Mark Williams in 2025. Following his UK Open victory, Selby could possibly be the person to get his palms on the trophy if he can produce his most interesting kind.
Since his final title, Selby has reached the ultimate on one event, although his two most up-to-date campaigns have resulted in first-round exits. “My tip is Selby,” Hendry instructed Metro.
“I simply suppose he is due a superb World Championship. And clearly if he performs like he performed within the UK, at his finest, he is nearly unplayable.”
World primary Judd Trump, nonetheless, fails to earn a point out amongst Hendry’s favourites, with the 57-year-old unconvinced the 2019 champion has the starvation for Crucible glory that the majority gamers possess
“Trump is a little bit of an enigma for me on the Crucible,” Hendry stated. “I do not know whether or not it means as a lot to him, which if it does not, it surprises me.
“Robertson, one other one, other than profitable it as soon as, he is executed nothing on the Crucible,” Hendry added. “Aside from Saudi, he is executed nothing this season to provide you any confidence that he can do it on the Crucible. It does not imply he cannot, however he definitely would not be in my prime 4 or 5 picks.”
Hendry is unwilling to low cost the prospect of one other title cost from Ronnie O’Sullivan, nonetheless. The Scot believes the Rocket stays able to producing one thing extraordinary that would carry him to glory.
“O’Sullivan is just like the elephant within the room if he performs, as a result of everyone knows he is aware of learn how to get it executed on the Crucible,” stated Hendry. “I feel this 12 months he will have one thing to say concerning the world title. I feel he will be there or thereabouts.
“I simply really feel that the way in which he performed on the World Open, the issues he is executed, the 2 maximums [at the Saudi Arabia Masters], the 153, he is nonetheless received these particular issues in him.
Hendry reckons O’Sullivans current showings present he’s able to profitable (Picture: Getty)
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the very best sports activities information and far more on our Fb web page
“I am definitely not going to put in writing him off. If he will get via the primary couple of rounds, he is aware of learn how to get it executed and that is so vital there.”
A well-recognized face on BBC’s snooker protection, Hendry additionally provided his verdict on whether or not Xintong might grow to be the primary participant to interrupt the Crucible curse and defend his maiden title. He believes the Chinese language star has the power, however stops wanting naming him as a favorite.
Get event schedules, scores, gamers updates and majors information plus chosen presents and competitions Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will likely embrace adverts from us and third events based mostly on our understanding. You possibly can unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
“I feel he can [break the curse]. I feel so much relies on the draw, you will get a difficult draw,” Hendry posited. “It does not matter how cool he’s. Whenever you stroll down these stairs as defending champion, it is a huge factor. However I do not suppose it’s going to be as massive a factor for him.
“I feel he can. Whether or not I put him out as my absolute favorite, I do not know, however I feel he can.”
Leave a Reply