Snooker legend Stephen Hendry has confessed there’s a current star he’d wary of facing. The King of the Crucible, who cruised to seven world titles across the 90s and became a Scottish sporting icon, admits that even in his heyday he would have met his match in Mark Selby.
The Jester from Leicester recently showcased his formidable skill with a clinical triumph over Stephen Maguire at the Welsh Open, a performance that, for Hendry, epitomizes why Selby is a serious threat for the world title this year.
Chatting on the Snooker Club podcast, Hendry explained: “Judd Trump has taken a bit of time off, so he’s getting himself ready for a big push at the end of the season. That’s really exciting. If I was playing now I can’t think of anyone I’d rather not play in a long frame match in Sheffield than Mark Selby.
“I wouldn’t mind playing anyone else, but he can just completely outplay you and take you out the game. If he’s on form at the World Championship he arguably goes in as favourite, if he’s in that form.”
Hendry also points out the longevity in snooker careers, citing Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams as prime examples, suggesting Selby has plenty of time left to dominate.
Snooker pro Matthew Selt has offered high praise for Selby after competing against him 17 times and claiming victory in only six encounters.
Selt commented: “He’s borderline unplayable when he’s at his best and I’ve been saying that for a number of years now. I think he’s the most complete player that the game has ever produced. Every aspect is at nine or above. He’s so hard to beat.
“When his game is slightly faltering just the way that he conducts himself, he’s so hard to break down mentally. When you look at the top players, Ronnie just bashes you away. His safeties are awesome. Judd does the same.
“Even when Mark is not playing well even his ability to win is just second to none for me. He’s such a tough player to beat. He’s 41 and he could definitely play until he’s 50, and you’d definitely say he could win two or three World Championships.
“I think he’ll win six as a minimum.”
This article originally appeared on Daily Record
Source link : http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=67b62c16fce640a4a3cfff2c6a0ffd7c&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.express.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fothersport%2F2016379%2FStephen-Hendry-snooker-news-Mark-Selby&c=17843635108358471323&mkt=de-de
Author :
Publish date : 2025-02-18 23:42:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.