vodkadiet wrote:John Higgins is nowhere near the player he was in 1998. It is ludicrous to say he was at his best from 2009-2011. O'Sullivan was at his best from in 2004/05, or maybe 2001/02.
How can you say Ronnie was at his peak in 2001-02 or 2004-2005 when his safety and tactical play is miles better nowadays ?!
He also copes with pressure much better. Back then, he used to throw his toys out of the pram when he was behind and/or playing badly.
vodkadiet wrote:Maybe the players ranked further down a slightly better today than they were when Hendry was number 1, but it really doesn't matter, as none of these players would have beaten Hendry at The World Championship in the 1990s. Ronnie O'Sullivan couldn't beat him there in this period, and neither could Mark Williams, so to think a player ranked 40 or 50 could have is not realistic.
Ronnie was not an all-rounded player back then. He wasn't even 20 years old when Hendry was dominating. Same goes 4 John Higgins and Mark Williams.
As they entered their early 20's, and more good players came along (Paul Hunter among others), Hendry's domination ended. Ain't that a coincidence !!!
A player ranked 40 or 50 back then, of course not. But a player ranked 40 to 50 nowadays can. It won't happen very often, but it's more likely to happen nowadays than it was back then.
vodkadiet wrote:JThese debates could go on for months but the record books count for far more than anyone's biased opinion.
That's not true and you know it. He only has those records because he played in a WEAKER ERA.
Had he turned pro at the same time as Ronnie, John and Mark, I doubt he would have won more than 3 World Titles.
And by your twisted logic, Joe Davis will always be the greatest due to his 15 World Titles. But we all know that's not true.
Ronnie has already proven he is the greatest even if he never wins another match. But, just like Andre said, if he wins 1 more WC, very few will doubt that fact.
At the end of the day, it's all about one's perception of greatness. Ronnie is a joy to watch when in full flow, so 4 me no matter how many titles Hendry has won/would have won, I'd still regard Ronn to be the greater player.
I'll pick artistry over droids everytime.