Regardless of 15 totally different winners in rating occasions through the 2025/26 World Snooker Tour season, seven-time champion Stephen Hendry predicts solely a handful of real contenders for this yr’s World Snooker Championship on the Crucible.
Gamers like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Kyren Wilson, and John Higgins have but to say a rating title this marketing campaign, whereas world champion Zhao Xintong dominates with three victories since February. Nonetheless, Hendry limits critical threats to about 5 gamers.
Mark Selby Leads Hendry’s Picks
Hendry suggestions four-time champion Mark Selby as his best choice after his spectacular UK Championship triumph in December.
“My tip is Selby,” Hendry said. “I simply assume he’s due an excellent World Championship. And clearly if he performs like he performed within the UK, at his finest, he’s nearly unplayable.”
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Crucible Risk
Hendry views Ronnie O’Sullivan, one other seven-time world winner, as a serious drive if he competes.
“O’Sullivan is just like the elephant within the room if he performs, as a result of everyone knows he is aware of the right way to get it executed on the Crucible,” Hendry mentioned. “I believe this yr he’s going to have one thing to say in regards to the world title. I believe he’s going to be there or thereabouts.”
He highlighted O’Sullivan’s current kind, together with robust performances on the World Open, two most breaks on the Saudi Arabia Masters, and a 153 break.
“I’m definitely not going to put in writing him off. If he will get by the primary couple of rounds, he is aware of the right way to get it executed and that’s so vital there.”
Kyren Wilson’s Combined Season
Kyren Wilson secured invitational wins on the Masters and Shanghai Masters however struggled in rating occasions, lacking the Gamers Championship and Tour Championship. Hendry acknowledges his potential regardless of the inconsistency.
“He received it when he didn’t play on this [Tour Championship]. There’s two methods of taking a look at it,” Hendry famous. “I might fairly be enjoying in tournaments, however he’ll be coming in as contemporary as a daisy.”
“Hear, there’s little doubt Kyren’s one of many guys which are able to profitable. However I might fairly be coming into it a bit bit sharper competitive-wise.”
Doubts Over Judd Trump and Neil Robertson
Hendry expresses skepticism about Judd Trump and Neil Robertson on the Crucible, regardless of their single rating titles this season.
“Trump is a little bit of an enigma for me on the Crucible,” he mentioned. “I don’t know whether or not it means as a lot to him, which if it doesn’t, it surprises me.”
On Robertson: “Other than profitable it as soon as, he’s executed nothing on the Crucible. Other than Saudi, he’s executed nothing this season to provide you any confidence that he can do it on the Crucible.”
Zhao Xintong’s Title Protection
Reigning champion Zhao Xintong tops bookmaker odds to defend his title and shatter the Crucible curse as the primary to retain after a debut win. Hendry sees potential however warns of draw dangers.
“I believe he can [break the curse]. I believe rather a lot relies on the draw, you may get a difficult draw,” Hendry mentioned. “It doesn’t matter how cool he’s. If you stroll down these stairs as defending champion, it’s a large factor. However I don’t assume it’ll be as massive a factor for him.”
“Whether or not I put him out as my absolute favorite, I don’t know, however I believe he can.”
A possible semi-final conflict between O’Sullivan and Zhao provides intrigue to the match, set to conclude on Might 4.
