Stephen Hendry on the record he does not want to give up: why he is not afraid of O'Sullivan's 8 titles.

Hendry wishes for O'Sullivan to win his eighth title

According to The Sun: Stephen Hendry admitted that he would like Ronnie O'Sullivan to win his eighth world championship title. The only record he does not want to lose is the status of the youngest world champion.

The 56-year-old Scottish athlete has had a sensational career in snooker, becoming world champion three times, two of which were at the Crucible. His first achievement was the title of the youngest world champion in 1990 when he defeated legendary Jimmy White 18-12 at the age of 21. This record remains unbroken to this day.

In the next six years, Hendry won five more titles, and in 1999 he claimed his seventh title.

In 1994, Hendry set another record at the UK Championship, defeating Ken Doherty in the final 10-5 and achieving a record seven century breaks.

Modern snooker hero Ronnie O'Sullivan, who has already equaled Hendry's title count (seven), has also surpassed him in the number of ranking titles, winning 41 titles.

Hendry is ready to concede the record

However, Hendry admitted that he does not regret it if O'Sullivan wins another title, as he wants to preserve the record of the youngest world champion.

Hendry shared his thoughts in the World Snooker Tour podcast:

“I have three records that I am very proud of. That is the seventh, the youngest winner, and seven century breaks in the final. (Which one would I like to keep?) I would like Ronnie to win eight, I think. It needs to be special to win it by 21 years old. Si Jiahui had a chance a few years ago but lost to Luca Brecel. I received a lot of ridicule when he could have beaten Luca. I don’t know why, but people seem to enjoy seeing my records being broken.”

Hendry jokingly added:

“Should I say that I am not satisfied?”

Expressing his viewpoint, Hendry emphasizes his respect for O'Sullivan's talents and achievements. At the same time, he highlights the significance of his own victory at a young age, which remains part of snooker history. These words confirm that, despite the competition, both players hold a high level of mutual respect and admiration in the world of snooker.