Stephen Hendry offers shock response to Ronnie O'Sullivan breaking snooker legend's long-standing world record

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SNOOKER legend Stephen Hendry made a shock admission about Ronnie O’Sullivan potentially breaking his long-standing world record.

O’Sullivan’s 2022 World Championship triumph led to his seventh world title, which tied him to Hendry’s legendary record.

Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry have won a join-record seven world titles
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Hendry admits he ‘won’t be happy’ if O’Sullivan breaks his long-standing record
PA
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But Hendry concedes an eighth world title for O’Sullivan would ‘take the pressure off’[/caption]

The Scottish star revealed he gets asked about losing his snooker record “a lot” and admitted he “won’t be happy” if it is broken.

However, The King of the Crucible also conceded that another O’Sullivan triumph would “take the pressure off”.

Hendry told Cue Tips when asked on how often he is inquired about O'Sullivan winning an eighth world title: "A lot.

“No, listen, I’m not going to lie. I won’t be happy if he does it.

“But he’s an unbelievable player and he’s taken the game to new levels.

“In a way, it will take the pressure off, I won’t get asked anymore.”

Hendry, though, suggested his record may remain intact as O’Sullivan doesn’t look “desperate” to win anymore.

The Rocket’s last two attempts saw him exiting in the quarter-finals to Luca Brecel and Barry Hawkins.

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Hendry added: “His unbelievable performances are fewer and far between now.

“I don’t think he’s got the same competitive juices that he had. But the Worlds, I think he’ll be up for it.

“The Masters, he’ll be up for it. But to me, it doesn’t look like he’s desperate to win.”

Inside Ronnie's colourful career

FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.

The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.

O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.

And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.

He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.

While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.

Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.

His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.

And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.

Check out all our latest Ronnie O’Sullivan articles.

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