O'Sullivan v Hendry - Masters Pedigree

[barrywhite]

Really? With Thorne Grifiths and Parrot in there. The standard of most of Ronnie's opponents is far better than that of Hendry's.

It's amazing that ROS has equaled Hendry's record given that he lost ten years to bi-polar. That's a fact, ask his trick cyclist. He should by dint of talent alone have 9 but life isn't like that. He was dealt some great cards being ambidextrous and born to a snooker table but that same wiring that makes him great also gives his a severe handicap. I couldn't play social snooker on 3hrs sleep and this guy beats the best in the world on it whilst juggling depression in his head.

AMAZING!

[simmo]

hendry for me look who he played in 96

[pottr]

Everything progresses over time. You can't compare eras.

[LucLex3119]

Updated to include the weekend's win. Really though? Only one reply? I was hoping for a few of the more knowledgeable members to provide a bit more context for Hendry's early wins.

Really? With Thorne Grifiths and Parrot in there. The standard of most of Ronnie's opponents is far better than that of Hendry's.

[gavpowell]

Updated to include the weekend's win. Really though? Only one reply? I was hoping for a few of the more knowledgeable members to provide a bit more context for Hendry's early wins.

[strike101]

Ronnie winning over a longer time shows longevity. Hendry winning in a row shows utter dominance. Looking at those names I'd say Ronnie has faced tougher competition for sure.
I actually think shorter formats make it harder to win for someone like hendry and Ronnie because the longer the match the less likely a fluke win will happen.

Overall I'd say Ronnies would be more impressive based on the level of competition

[gavpowell]

If Ronnie equals Hendry's Masters record tomorrow(and I don't think he will), it will be an amazing achievement. But are the two's Masters records comparable?

After all, Hendry won five in a row, including his tournament debut. On the other hand, he played fewer frames, as from 1996, the tournament gained its present format, early rounds becoming best of 11 and the final a best of 19, instead of best of 9 and 17. Were Hendry's opponents easier, harder or about the same as O'Sullivan's? One of the things that astonished me while researching this a bit, was just how much Jimmy White could have won if not for Hendry - year after year he got to the semis and got an absolute pasting. Likewise, I had no idea Griffiths had gone on so long - the idea of O'Sullivan playing El Tel is hilarious!

Anyway, here are the two legends' respective records, starting with the most recent victory and from final to first round:

Hendry

1996 O'Sullivan, White, McManus, John Higgins
1993 Wattana, McManus, Wilkinson, Doherty
1992 Parrott, White, Dean Reynolds, Martin Clark
1991 Mike Hallett, White, Tony Meo, Virgo
1990 Parrott, White,Thorne, James,
1989 Parrott, Davis, Griffiths, Thorne

O'Sullivan

2016 Hawkins, Bingham, Selby, Williams
2014 Selby, Maguire,Walden, Milkins
2009 Selby, Maguire. Carter, Perry
2007 Ding, Maguire, Doherty, Carter
2005 Higgins, White, Ding, Dott
1995 Higgins, Ebdon, Griffiths, Parrott