Which Stephen Hendry Crucible record is Ronnie O'Sullivan still chasing? Stats reveal top performers at World Snooker Championship venue
Updated 22/04/2025 at 16:03 GMT+1
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Ronnie O'Sullivan is back at the Crucible for the 33rd year running as he tries to rediscover his mojo on the baize. An opening grudge match with Ali Carter is his first task, as the watching snooker world relishes the Rocket's return in the hallowed Sheffield arena. While O'Sullivan might be equal on seven Crucible titles with Stephen Hendry, there is one record he is yet to take from the Scot.
Watch the moment O'Sullivan gets huge ovation in Crucible return
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Crucible, snooker's intimate cauldron, has played host to some of the game's most storied moments - with many of them provided by Ronnie O'Sullivan.
The Rocket has departed Sheffield with the world title seven times in his career to date, tying him with a fellow legend of the baize, Stephen Hendry.
After some doubt, O'Sullivan is back at The Crucible this year - with all the action live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - for a remarkable 33rd year running, as fans wonder if he can find the level to take himself towards a record eighth title.
Realistically, and based upon his words prior to the tournament, O'Sullivan will just be wanting to rediscover some confidence, and will be hoping the familiar sights and sounds of Sheffield can bring out the best in him.
Whatever he does this year, O'Sullivan has proved that he shines bright when performing under the close Crucible glares.
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'That will settle him' - O'Sullivan levels Carter clash with 'really good' clearance
Video credit: TNT Sports
But despite his 100+ matches at the venue and 78 wins, he is still slightly behind Hendry when it comes to one number...
| Player | Matches played | Matches won | Win % |
| Stephen Hendry | 90 | 70 | 77.78 |
| Ronnie O'Sullivan | 103 | 78 | 75.73 |
| Mark Selby | 59 | 43 | 72.88 |
| John Higgins | 94 | 68 | 72.34 |
| Steve Davis | 84 | 60 | 71.43 |
| Judd Trump | 45 | 31 | 68.89 |
| Kyren Wilson | 32 | 22 | 68.75 |
| Mark Williams | 70 | 47 | 67.14 |
| Jimmy White | 75 | 50 | 66.67 |
Stats: CueTracker (min. 10 matches)
Though Hendry, prior to this year's edition, has not racked up quite the Crucible longevity of O'Sullivan - playing in 27 editions to O'Sullivan's 32 - he has nonetheless got a superior win percentage, topping out at nearly 78%, ahead of The Rocket's near 76%.
And O'Sullivan will need to continue playing for a few years yet if he wants to usurp his old rival, as even a potential romp to the title this year via five match wins would not be enough to overhaul the Scot.
Selby and Higgins an outside bet for 2025 title?
Two other modern greats who have terrific records at The Crucible are Mark Selby and John Higgins.
Both four-time champions, the experienced pair know what it takes to win at the famous old venue, and knowledge of the tournament format can go a long way towards being successful in it.
- Selby Crucible wins: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2021
- Higgins Crucible wins: 1998, 2007, 2009, 2011
One outlier worth mentioning is Lei Peifan, the debutant who currently has a 100% record in Sheffield, having sensationally knocked out Kyren Wilson in his first-ever match at The Crucible.
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Reigning champion Wilson loses in first round to debutant Lei – ‘Crucible curse strikes again!’
Video credit: TNT Sports
It remains to be seen if he can continue his stunning breakout run at the tournament.
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