In the high-stakes world of Snooker, the clash of titans is always a topic of hot debate. Recently, Mark Selby found himself at the center of attention when snooker legend Stephen Hendry made a bold claim about the Jester’s prowess on the table. According to Hendry, Selby, currently the world No. 5, has the ability to outshine any snooker player, including heavyweights like Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan, when at the peak of his powers.
Hendry’s praise for Selby’s skills was effusive, particularly pointing out his exceptional safety game. “I’m including anyone, including O’Sullivan as well. I think if they play their best against each other Mark Selby wins more than Ronnie,” Hendry stated on his Cue Tips YouTube channel. “His safety game is like no other and he scores so heavily when he’s at his best.”
While Selby appreciated the compliments from Hendry, he remained modest in his response. “One of my friends sent me the clip. It’s a huge statement coming from him, but I don’t know, that’s for him to say,” Selby told the Metro. Despite the praise, Selby refrained from claiming a spot among the all-time greats, acknowledging that he sees himself as just another player striving to win tournaments.
The snooker maestro also opened up about personal struggles, revealing his battle with depression after his wife’s cancer diagnosis and the loss of a family friend to the same illness. Selby’s life story is one of resilience, having faced abandonment and loss at a young age before finding solace and success in the world of snooker.
As Selby reflected on the weight of Hendry’s words, he acknowledged the significance of receiving recognition from a legend of the game. “Stuff like that does give you a massive boost, but it is just an opinion, it doesn’t mean anything really,” Selby remarked. “It means a lot to me because it’s coming from one of the greats of the game. But you ask someone else on the tour and they’d probably say completely different.”
In the realm of snooker, where precision and strategy reign supreme, the debate over Selby’s true greatness continues to spark intrigue. With Hendry’s accolades adding fuel to the fire, Selby’s legacy in the sport is cemented in the annals of snooker history.
