Ronnie O'Sullivan once sought advice from Stephen Hendry on his chances at the Crucible before his remarkable 2013 triumph. Now, despite uncertainty looming over whether the seven-time world champion will partake in this year's event, the Scottish snooker legend wouldn't be taken aback to see O'Sullivan clinch victory yet again after 12 years.

O'Sullivan was last seen snapping his cue and booting the table during the Championship League in early January. Nevertheless, he is anticipated to make his return with the start of the Crucible on 19 April.

This isn't new territory for the Rocket, with Hendry recalling how ahead of his sensational Sheffield win in 2013, O'Sullivan asked him for his thoughts on his chances despite not playing in any ranking tournaments prior to the victory.

Speaking on the , Hendry explained: "One of my hot takes was going to be that Ronnie is going to turn up and win it. We want something a bit controversial and out there.

"What a story it would be. All these players, Kyren Wilson, Judd Trump, winning all these tournaments. Robertson back, Higgins, Selby. And Ronnie decides just to turn up and win it.

"It would be an unbelievable story. I remember when he did it before he messaged me before to ask if I thought he could come back and do it.

"I said, of course you can. All you need is a solid month of practice to get yourself sharp. It's the same this time. I don't know what his cue situation is because obviously he smashed his last one.

"If he had a month behind closed doors practicing, putting the work in and getting himself sharp then of course he could win. He'll be one of the top two or three favourites to win it. It would be an incredible story."

However, Hendry doesn't see O'Sullivan as his top choice for the title, stating: "Mark Selby showed some glimpses that he's playing well. He's my pick for Sheffield, his game is coming on nicely and he's won it four times.

"He's obviously got the perfect game, arguably, for Sheffield. But I think it's pretty open this year. There are a few contenders and some of the second round draws are going to be tasty."

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