Stephen Hendry was left stunned by Ronnie O'Sullivan's post-match interview after the 48-year-old beat Jackson Page in their World Snooker Championship clash on Thursday.
O'Sullivan won 10-1 in Sheffield to set up a clash with Ryan Day in the second round of the competition.
The Rocket is known for being modest and gracious but, after his win over Page, reflected on his own success by saying: "I have already broken the rules for snooker, I am still going at 48, 49 and I am seeing what is possible now.
"What is possible in this game and how long can you keep going for?
"Can I win a World Championship at 50, who knows?
"I am probably the only player able to do that but let's see, let's have an experiment.
"To do what I have done in this season, I have done over a whole career. I have been doing it for 30 years. I have had the greatest career of any snooker player.
"How many people can say they have been the best or most successful in their job ever?
"I have to really give myself a pat on the back because I don't, I am hard on myself. Nobody has achieved what i have achieved on a table statistically.
"What is possible? I don't know. Statistically probably this would be [my best season] but playing wise, definitely not."
And Hendry, speaking on BBC Two, was left stunned by the 'bullish' nature of O'Sullivan's comments.
"It's probably as bullish as I've ever heard Ronnie in an interview about his own achievements and how he sees his standing in the game and I like it," he said.
"I don't like it when he plays it down about what he's achieved and how good he is.
"He's the greatest there's ever been. Why not tell everyone he's the greatest there's ever been?"
He continued: "Ronnie says he's played terribly for two years - his version of terrible is different to a lot of people's.
"His 'B' game is still incredible.
"He's as fit as anyone in the game. He doesn't play every tournament. I can see him playing until 55 if he wants to.
"There's a challenge to the Trumps of this world - can you step up?
"Or is Ronnie going to dominate for the next few years?"
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Ronnie O'Sullivan names two snooker icons better than himself amid World Championship mission - 'I don't'
- Roy Keane explains snubbing Mark Clattenburg handshake and blasts Nottingham Forest for VAR statement
- Geri Halliwell's stance revealed as Christian Horner accuser 'questioned by investigators' in fresh twist
O'Sullivan certainly seemed to be in a good mood as he cruised to victory.
And the 48-year-old believes he's practicing better than ever before due to the help of coach Nic Barrow.
"I played and cued well which was good," he admitted.
"Jackson is a really good player.
"I knew I had to be on my game, one of the hardest first-round draws I could have got but I was pleased with my performance.
"I just play. The harder the test the more I see it as a challenge.
"I have trained hard all my life, I am mentally tough and ready to play whenever.
"I played terrible for two years but I have won and I know how to win. That is something I am blessed with.
"I haven't really cued smoothly but I have started working with Nic Barrow a coach who knows my game inside out and I decided I can't coach myself anymore and I have felt as good on the practice tables in the last couple of weeks as I have in the last six to seven years."
