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Seven-time World Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry has thrown his weight behind Mark Selby to claim glory at the Crucible this year, but will not rule out Ronnie O'Sullivan's prospects. The Jester from Leicester already boasts four titles to his name and is being tipped to secure yet another, with his last triumph coming five years ago.

Sheffield's Crucible will host the World Championship for a landmark 50th time in just a few days, as Zhao Xintong looks to defend his crown a year on from defeating Mark Williams in 2025. Following his UK Open victory, Selby could be the man to get his hands on the trophy if he can produce his finest form.

Since his last title, Selby has reached the final on one occasion, though his two most recent campaigns have ended in first-round exits. "My tip is Selby," Hendry told Metro.

"I just think he's due a good World Championship. And obviously if he plays like he played in the UK, at his best, he's almost unplayable."

World number one Judd Trump, however, fails to earn a mention among Hendry's favourites, with the 57-year-old unconvinced the 2019 champion has the hunger for Crucible glory that most players possess

"Trump is a bit of an enigma for me at the Crucible," Hendry said. "I don't know whether it means as much to him, which if it doesn't, it surprises me.

"Robertson, another one, apart from winning it once, he's done nothing at the Crucible," Hendry added. "Apart from Saudi, he's done nothing this season to give you any confidence that he can do it at the Crucible. It doesn't mean he can't, but he certainly wouldn't be in my top four or five picks."

Hendry is unwilling to discount the prospect of another title charge from Ronnie O'Sullivan, however. The Scot believes the Rocket remains capable of producing something extraordinary that could carry him to glory.

"O'Sullivan is like the elephant in the room if he plays, because we all know he knows how to get it done at the Crucible," said Hendry. "I think this year he's going to have something to say about the world title. I think he's going to be there or thereabouts.

"I just feel that the way he played at the World Open, the things he's done, the two maximums [at the Saudi Arabia Masters], the 153, he's still got those special things in him.

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"I'm certainly not going to write him off. If he gets through the first couple of rounds, he knows how to get it done and that's so important there."

A familiar face on BBC's snooker coverage, Hendry also offered his verdict on whether Xintong could become the first player to break the Crucible curse and defend his maiden title. He believes the Chinese star has the ability, but stops short of naming him as a favourite.

"I think he can [break the curse]. I think a lot depends on the draw, you can get a tricky draw," Hendry posited. "It doesn't matter how cool he is. When you walk down those stairs as defending champion, it's a massive thing. But I don't think it'll be as big a thing for him.

"I think he can. Whether I put him out as my absolute favourite, I don't know, but I think he can."