• Snooker

Rocket Ronnie eyes Hendry's record

ESPN staff
October 13, 2013
Ronnie O'Sullivan secured his fifth world crown in May © PA Photos
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Ronnie O'Sullivan is targeting Stephen Hendry's record of seven world championships, and insists he has 'broken the mould' for players in their 30s never winning titles.

The Rocket secured his fifth Crucible triumph in May with a victory over Barry Hawkins - on the back of his self-imposed break for 11 months.

O'Sullivan moved within one world crown of Steve Davis and Ray Reardon, and trails Hendry by two, and has his sights set on snatching the record off the Scot.

"I've got five world titles. I was happy with four. I haven't set myself a mental target. It's something I would like to achieve, it would be a dream for me to get to seven, possibly eight," the 37-year-old told BBC Sport.

"It is definitely one of the main motivations why I still keep playing. It does drive you on. If I get to six, I'd be with Steve Davis and if I get to seven I'm there with Stephen Hendry, the greatest to have played the game.

"I start to think, I'm nearly 40, I'm an old man. I'm getting grey hairs now. I look around and everyone's 25, 26, and I'm nearly 38 and I'm giving them a run for their money. I'm like dad on the circuit.

"I feel like I've broken the mould of players that got to their 30s and never managed to win any more titles. Maybe the next generation will think you don't hit your peak until you're 37 because Ronnie's proved it."

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