Ronnie O’Sullivan conspiracy theory? Stephen Hendry says there is a bias against him

O’Sullivan was once again omitted from the 10-person shortlist for the December award and no snooker player has been included since the shortlist element’s inception in 2010.

And Hendry, a seven-time world champion and a runner-up for the BBC gong behind Paul Gascoigne, believes there is something of a conspiracy that explains the absence.

“I think the panel who vote for the Sports Personality contenders have a bias against snooker,” Hendry said.

“What O’Sullivan does on the snooker table is as much, if not more, genius than any of the other contenders who are up for it this year.

“Nobody can say what Lewis Hamilton does in a car is any more genius than what Ronnie O’Sullivan does on the snooker table.”

O’Sullivan is a five-time world champion with 30 ranking titles to his name.

The 42-year-old is currently ranked No 4 in the world and has had a well-publicised battle with depression.

But the Englishman appears in fine form and Hendry believes, after the shock elimination of Mark Selby, O’Sullivan should pick up a sixth UK Snooker Championship title this weekend.

“I think it’s O’Sullivan’s to lose, he’s the man to beat,” Hendry added.

“He hasn’t been that impressive so far but he hasn’t needed to be because no one has put him under any pressure whatsoever yet.

“The favourites are dropping like flies, one after another!

“The obvious one now are [Champion of Champions winner] Shaun Murphy.”

***Stephen Hendry was speaking on behalf of online betting site BetStars. #Callit at BetStars***