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Ronnie O’Sullivan is regarded by many as the greatest snooker player to grace the sport. The Rocket has conquered all before him on several occasions, enjoyed multiple summits to the top of the rankings and is a seven-time world champion.
Granted, his powers have waned in recent years, as O’Sullivan prepares for his career to come to a close. But irrespective of this, O’Sullivan’s legacy remains intact, with only a few arguing that he isn’t the greatest of all time.
One of O’Sullivan’s current rivals is among them, and has broken rank to argue that there is in fact another snooker player who should be considered the most complete of all time. The man making that argument is Kyren Wilson, who in 17 matches against O’Sullivan has won nine. The Englishman believes a different player is in fact the most well-rounded ever to play the game.
That’s because Wilson has actually dubbed John Higgins the “most complete snooker player ever” after beating him in the final of the International Championship in Nanjing on Saturday. The pair played out a thrilling match, which Wilson edged 10-8 to take the 12th ranking title of his career.
Speaking after the match, the 2024 world champion remarked: "It was a really good final. The way [Higgins] played against Chang Bingyu in the semi-finals I knew I was in for a tough match. It was about sticking in there and bouncing back if I made mistakes.
"He has made a career out of unbelievable clearances under pressure and has been an idol of mine since I started watching the game. To play him in a final like this is a dream come true and it is an honour to win.
"I can remember him absolutely wiping the floor with me one year at the World Championship. When he gets on a roll and is in the groove he can blow anyone and everyone away. He is pretty much the most complete snooker player of all-time. To beat him in two big finals, at the Masters and here, I'm chuffed."
Wilson became the 16th player in snooker history to win back-to-back ranking events, as the 34-year-old triumphed at the Northern Ireland Open last month. The last player to do so was Zhao Xintong, who won last season's World Grand Prix and Players Championship.
Wilson wants to capitalise on his winning streak, adding: "Winning back-to-back titles is an incredible feat really. I'm probably boring people by saying how high the standard is, but it is frightening.
"It is through the roof. When you have all-time legends still around and getting to finals, it makes it even more difficult. I'm delighted I've bounced back from Belfast and won again. That is no mean feat.
"It is a great opportunity to now have the Champion of Champions and UK Championship coming up. I'll never complain about having back-to-back events. You have to dust yourself down and go again. It is a good time to be hitting form."
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