Stephen Hendry believes that Ronnie O’Sullivan has been inspired by Mark Williams’ approach to snooker after a challenging previous season for O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan faced difficulties in the 2024/25 season, withdrawing from several tournaments due to cue-breaking incidents.
Following his decision to reduce his playing schedule, O’Sullivan has shown a renewed focus and energy in his game. Notably, he achieved two maximum breaks in a single match on his way to the final of the Saudi Arabia Masters, where he narrowly lost to Neil Robertson. O’Sullivan also displayed good form at the Xi’an Grand Prix before exiting in the quarter-finals against Gary Wilson.
Meanwhile, Williams, a member of the ‘Class of 92′ along with O’Sullivan, secured victory at the same tournament by defeating Shaun Murphy in the final, setting a record as the oldest-ever winner of a ranking event at 50 years and 206 days. Williams’ relaxed demeanor and ability to bounce back from setbacks have been key to his enduring success, a quality that Hendry believes has influenced O’Sullivan positively.
In a recent podcast interview on the WST’s Snooker Club, Hendry praised Williams for maintaining a high level of play despite minimal practice outside of competitions. He commended Williams for his carefree attitude towards wins and losses, emphasizing the psychological advantage it provides in sports. Hendry expressed admiration for Williams’ lifestyle and approach to the game, highlighting the impact it has had on O’Sullivan’s mindset.