Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan will win either the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship or the Masters tournament – and possibly both – according to snooker legend Stephen Hendry.
Despite O’Sullivan’s current form struggles, Hendry remains confident in the 48-year-old’s ability to secure silverware by January’s end.
The bold prediction comes as O’Sullivan prepares to defend his titles at both prestigious events, with Hendry citing the Rocket’s strong motivation for major tournaments and his involvement with his Saudi Arabian academy as key factors.
The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship is scheduled for 18-20 December, with the Masters set to take place at the Alexandra Palace from 12-19 January.
O’Sullivan, who claimed five tournament victories last season, has experienced a noticeable dip in form during the current campaign.
The Rocket has only reached two semi-finals this season and has lost five of his last seven matches – a stark contrast to his dominant performances last year.
Ronnie O’Sullivan was knocked out by Barry Hawkins
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Despite these struggles, O’Sullivan will enter both tournaments as one of the favourites, looking to defend his titles at both events.
Speaking on WST’s Snooker Club podcast, Hendry expressed confidence in O’Sullivan’s motivation for major events.
“Ronnie will definitely play in Saudi, obviously that’s a huge event and then the Masters. These are events, if he doesn’t get up for every tournament these days, these are events that he will be up for,” said Hendry.
The Scot highlighted O’Sullivan’s connection to Saudi Arabia as a key factor.
“He’s got huge involvement over there now with his academy. He’ll be really up for that one,” he added.
“The Masters is his backyard, he’s won eight of those, the crowd love him.
Ronnie O’Sullivan was the defending champion
PA
“I think he’ll definitely win one of those events, he could win both of them but I think he’ll win one of them.”
O’Sullivan himself appears relaxed despite his recent setbacks, displaying a philosophical attitude after his 6-4 defeat to Barry Hawkins at the UK Championship.
“I just think Barry played a good match and deserved his win, so I have to give all credit to him,” O’Sullivan said.
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The Rocket praised Hawkins’ performance, noting: “He played well, looked strong and took his chances.”
Maintaining a positive outlook, O’Sullivan added: “I’m just enjoying playing, that’s the important thing.
“I try to not look back on it and on to whatever the next event is.”
Stephen Hendry is confident Ronnie O’Sullivan will return to top form
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