Stephen Hendry believes Ronnie O'Sullivan is 'not the same player' after John Higgins mounted a spirited fightback to close the gap to 9-7 at the Crucible on Sunday night. The second session of their World Championship second-round clash began with O'Sullivan leading 6-2 following a dominant display on Saturday.
Higgins fights back
Higgins opened the evening with an 83 break to signal his intent, but O'Sullivan responded emphatically with breaks of 116 and 80 to re-establish his dominance. Hendry, commentating on the BBC, admitted he had low hopes for his fellow Scot at that stage, describing Higgins as 'weak'. However, the four-time world champion demonstrated his renowned mental resilience, sharing the next two frames before winning three tight frames in a row to reduce the deficit.
The 15th frame was snatched by Higgins from behind, and the 16th frame produced incredible drama as both players missed chances to seal it. O'Sullivan eventually went in-off on the final red, allowing Higgins to clinch the frame and end the session just two frames behind at 9-7.
O'Sullivan's frustration
O'Sullivan showed visible frustration during the session, punching the rail after missing a red in the final frame. Hendry noted: 'He's not looked the same player tonight, Ronnie. He's not had that look in his eye. Last night he just looked so intense, so focused. Tonight, whether it's because he's got a lead, or for whatever reason… but when we see Ronnie showing frustration, it's important that John punished him for that.'
Higgins, despite not producing his best snooker, impressed Hendry with his fighting spirit. 'He's not played anywhere near the snooker he's been playing this season but he's in this match, it's just incredible,' Hendry said. 'Last night I thought John really struggled. Ronnie played outstanding and that's going to put anyone on the back foot, but John looked un-John Higgins-like. A little bit nervous, a little bit intimidated but tonight he's just battled, he's just battled to stay in this match.'
Pressure at the Crucible
Both players are 50 years old and have 11 World Championship titles between them, yet neither is immune to the intense pressure of the Crucible. 'It shows you, the amount of times these guys have played, the amount of titles they won, the amount of world titles, the pressure on any given night can be absolutely huge,' Hendry added.
The match resumes on Monday at 1pm, with the first to 13 frames advancing to the quarter-finals. The winner will face either Neil Robertson or Chris Wakelin, with Robertson leading 10-6 after a late burst of breaks including 65, 66 and 101.
