Stephen Hendry believes that Ronnie O’Sullivan has been inspired by Mark Williams’ approach, leading to a strong start to the current season. O’Sullivan encountered challenges in the previous season, withdrawing from several tournaments abruptly after damaging his cue in frustration earlier in the year.
Having announced a reduced schedule for this season, the 49-year-old has demonstrated a rejuvenated and focused performance whenever he has competed. 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 in a final-frame showdown. O’Sullivan also showed good form at the recent Xi’an Grand Prix, advancing to the quarter-finals before being defeated by Gary Wilson.
Meanwhile, Williams, a member of the ‘Class of 92′ alongside O’Sullivan, secured victory at the same tournament by defeating Shaun Murphy in the final. At 50 years and 206 days old, Williams became the oldest winner of a ranking event, surpassing the previous record set by Ray Reardon in 1982.
Williams’ relaxed demeanor and ability to bounce back from setbacks have played a significant role in his sustained success. Hendry, a seven-time world champion, commended Williams for maintaining a high level of performance despite minimal practice outside of competitions. Hendry emphasized Williams’ nonchalant attitude towards wins and losses, highlighting it as a key factor in his competitive edge.
Discussing the influence of Williams on O’Sullivan, Hendry remarked during the WST’s Snooker Club podcast that O’Sullivan appears to be adopting a similar mindset, recognizing it as a positive direction for his career. The snooker legend praised Williams’ unconventional approach to preparation and competition, underscoring the advantage of maintaining composure regardless of the outcome.
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