“Ronnie Ou0027Sullivan begins his 31st season as a professional as world champion, world No. 1 and also the sportu0027s record 39-time ranking event winner. He is three clear of fellow seven-time Crucible winner Stephen Hendry with old rival John Higgins eight adrift in third place on 31 victories since they both turned professional in 1992. Six-time world champion Steve Davis occupies fourth spot on 28.”