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Nevertheless it brought up Trump's 11th century at this year's World Championship, with the record of 16 in a single Crucible campaign, set by Stephen Hendry in 2002 and equalled by Mark Williams in 2022, now in his sights.

No player has won the world title on eight occasions in the modern era, with O'Sullivan aiming to move clear of Stephen Hendry's seven successes.

Recent footage of him compiling a maximum 147 break in less than seven minutes in practice suggests the 49-year-old is more than capable of delivering a historic triumph to set him apart from Scottish great Stephen Hendry, who also has seven titles.

All-time greats such as Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Selby and Stephen Hendry have won multiple World Championships but failed to retain the title the year after their maiden victory.

"Ferdinand, Terry, Vidic, Jonathan Woodgate in his prime before he went to Real Madrid, Colin Hendry at Blackburn, does John Stones get a mention in his prime?"