Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry says Ronnie O’Sullivan’s decision to pull out of the 2012-13 season is a “massive blow” for snooker.

O’Sullivan announced he would be withdrawing from the rest of the campaign because of “personal issues”.

“In snooker we have very few superstars and Ronnie was a superstar. The crowds that came to watch him were larger than for any other player,” said Hendry.

The Scot now expects Judd Trump to be number one for the next 10 to 15 years. “The likes of Trump, John Higgins, Mark Selby and Mark Williams will be rubbing their hands now that . . . the best player in the world, has decided not to play again. It has certainly made their job a lot easier.”