Ronnie O’Sullivan has drawn his own comparison to football superstar Lionel Messi as he goes in pursuit of a sixth World Championship title.

Only Stephen Hendry with seven has more than O’Sullivan’s five world crowns, a number he is looking to add to at the Crucible – with his first-round match with amateur James Cahill beginning today.

But while the numbers of snooker’s greatest competition don’t agree, many see O’Sullivan as being superior to the Scottish potting wizard.

It’s a fact in which the current world No.1 believes could ring true also, dominating every other aspect of the sport in a season in which he passed 1000 career centuries.

“My record speaks for itself, it’s debatable as to whether Stephen Hendry or myself are the greatest of all time,” said O’Sullivan.

“He has seven world titles, I only have five, but I seem to have every other record going – it’s like wondering if Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer because he hasn’t won the World Cup.

“It’s difficult to satisfy everyone but I have every record barring the seven world titles – but I’ve done it in a fashion where I’ve played in an aggressive, attacking and flamboyant way.

“To get results playing that way isn’t always easy, but I can reflect on my career and be satisfied with it. Every season there seems to be someone else who is playing into form, but I’ve always been there.

“I’m happy to have had that consistency at the highest level.”

While O’Sullivan has five world titles in his collection, the last one came as long ago as 2013.

And with the likes of Neil Robertson and Judd Trump in fine form on the table, he’ll have his work cut out if he wants to add to the collection.

“It is so special to watch the World Championships, last year I was really able to appreciate what a great event it is as a punter,” added the 43-year-old.

“Nothing compares to watches snooker as a fan and spectator at Sheffield.

“You’ve got to look at Neil Robertson and Judd Trump, they’ve consistently been the on-form players all season, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Mark Allen had a nice little run.

“Never count out John Higgins, for me he is the ultimate player and then you’ve got Mark Selby, he’ll feel he’ll have plenty to prove in there.

“You’ve probably got to throw my hat in the ring as well, I’ve had a pretty good season, but when it comes to Sheffield – it’s either winning the whole thing or losing early.

“That inbetween bit, getting to the semis or something, you’re almost better going out early and not having to deal with all the stress of it.

“Nobody remembers anyone who came second.”

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