Ronnie O'Sullivan shows true colours with text message to 'snooker's Scottie Scheffler' - The Mirror

Ronnie O'Sullivan revealed just how highly he thinks of Kyren Wilson who secured passage to the quarter-finals of the UK Championship by dispatching Chris Wakelin

Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson was given the ultimate compliment by Ronnie O'Sullivan who branded him the ' Scottie Scheffler of snooker'.

The recent elevation of the 32-year-old's game saw 'The Warrior' clinch the World Championship earlier this year when defeating qualifier Jak Jones 18-14.

Wilson's taste of silverware only enhanced this season where he emerged victorious at the Xi'an Grand Prix and the Northern Ireland Open to add to his trophy cabinet.

The snooker star is now in good stead to add a third trophy this season as he reached the quarter-finals of the UK Championship after making quick work of Chris Wakelin in a 6-2 win.

Wilson's consistent impressive form has brought forth praise from O'Sullivan who was bounced out of the competition he won last year after being defeated 4‍–‍6 by Barry Hawkins in the opening round.

The eight-time UK Championship winner admitted that Wilson will continue to rack up tournament wins thanks to his ability to perform under pressure. "It depends how good you are, some it can destroy their career and can’t handle the pressure," he said to Eurosport when asked about the pressures of being a world champion.

"Some players who have the talent and have got the pedigree, they rise in stature and go on to win many, many things. I would definitely put Kyren in that bracket where [he] is going to win many, many more big tournaments."

The multifaceted nature of Wilson's game reminds O'Sullivan of the two-time Masters champion who he compared him to. "He reminds me of Scottie Scheffler, the golfer," the 48-year-old said.

"You get a lot of people who drive the ball a long way, do this well, do that well. He [Wilson] does everything very well and when he is on it, he is a tough competitor."

As well as praising him in public, O'Sullivan showed his class when revealing that he sent Wilson a text message urging him to take advantage of the high level he's currently playing at. "It’s consistency levels basically, he does what looks simple but it’s not simple, but he does it very efficiently," O’Sullivan said. "That’s why I think he’s the best player in the world.

"If he gets to the semis my money is on him all day because great temperament, great game. He’s had it hard. Worked behind the bar when he fell off the tour. He’s a warrior. I know that’s his nickname, but he’s had it hard. Now he’s world champion, got a great life, great family, he ain’t letting this go.

"I did send him a text saying 'this is your time, go and get as many majors as you can because there’ll be a time when it don’t happen for you'."

With Michael Holt currently standing in his way of progressing to the semi-finals where he'll take on the winner of world number one Judd Trump and Zhang Anda, O'Sullivan has backed Wilson as one of the favourites.

"With Kyren it was about belief," O’Sullivan added. "There was a lot of chat, sometimes criticising his game, and he would have heard that. But having been the world champion, winning two tournaments this year. For me, if he gets to the semi-finals he is the man to beat."