Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry to renew rivalry for first time in 15 years in new four-player tournament.

Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry to renew rivalry for first time in 15 years in new four-player tournament.

 

The long-standing rivalry between Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry is set to be rekindled for the first time in 15 years as the two legends headline a brand-new four-player invitational tournament.

The event, designed as a celebration of snooker’s golden eras, will bring together two of the sport’s most decorated figures in a format that guarantees at least one mouth-watering head-to-head encounter. For fans who grew up watching their fierce battles through the 1990s and early 2000s, it promises a nostalgic yet highly competitive spectacle.

O’Sullivan, widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players the game has ever seen, burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy and quickly established himself as Hendry’s most dangerous challenger. His fluid cue action, rapid break-building and fearless shot selection provided a thrilling contrast to Hendry’s steely, methodical dominance during his peak years.

Hendry, the sport’s dominant force throughout the 1990s, built his legacy on relentless scoring power and an unshakeable temperament. His record-breaking world title haul and sustained period at world No.1 made him the benchmark for greatness. Many of O’Sullivan’s early career milestones were measured against Hendry’s achievements, and their clashes frequently carried the sense of a generational power struggle.

Between them, the pair contested numerous major finals, including unforgettable encounters at the Crucible. Their matches often showcased the highest standard of break-building the sport had seen, with century breaks flowing under intense pressure. Each meeting felt like a referendum on style versus substance — the mercurial genius against the ruthless champion.

However, as the years passed and Hendry stepped away from full-time competition, their meetings became increasingly rare. While O’Sullivan continued to add to his tally of major titles well into his forties, Hendry transitioned into punditry and occasional exhibition appearances. The competitive rivalry that once defined an era of snooker effectively went dormant.

That will now change.

Tournament organisers have emphasised that this new four-player event is not merely an exhibition but a competitive invitational featuring short-format matches designed for television audiences. The compact field increases the likelihood of high-profile clashes, and the prospect of O’Sullivan and Hendry sharing an arena once again has already generated significant buzz within the snooker community.

For O’Sullivan, the match offers another opportunity to test himself against a player whose legacy helped shape his own career. Despite the years apart, the psychological familiarity between the two could add a fascinating dynamic. Hendry, meanwhile, will relish the chance to measure his enduring match sharpness against a contemporary great who has continued to evolve his game.

Beyond nostalgia, the meeting serves as a reminder of snooker’s remarkable continuity. Few sports can boast rivalries that span generations yet remain relevant decades later. Younger fans who know Hendry primarily as a commentator will now witness the competitive edge that once made him the sport’s most feared figure.

While the format may be different and the stakes less gruelling than a world final, pride and legacy remain powerful motivators. When O’Sullivan and Hendry walk to the table once more, it will not simply be a reunion — it will be a revival of one of snooker’s defining duels.