SNOOKER legend Steve Davis has snubbed BBC colleague Stephen Hendry when naming his top three players of all time.

The six-time world champion instead picked a trio based on “actual standard”, leaving the Scot out of his elite list.

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Steve Davis has included some surprise names in his top three snooker stars Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Stephen Hendry was snubbed by his BBC colleague Steve Davis Credit: Alamy

Ronnie O’Sullivan features top of his list Credit: Alamy

Davis, once the dominant force of the 1980s, has seen his own place in the GOAT debate overtaken in recent years.

Hendry surged ahead in the 1990s with seven world titles, a record later matched by Ronnie O’Sullivan.

And while Hendry remains firmly in the conversation, Davis believes others edge him when it comes to pure playing level.

The 68-year-old had no hesitation putting O’Sullivan at the very top of the pile.

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But it was his other two picks that raised eyebrows, with John Higgins and Mark Selby completing his top three.

Davis singled out Selby in particular, branding him the “most underrated player in the game” by casual fans.

Speaking on the BBC, he said Selby’s ability is often overlooked by those who do not follow snooker closely.

Davis added: “Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Selby,  the actual standard.

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“Mark Williams is in there as well, but the level Selby can produce is astonishing. Once he’s in the zone, what a player.”

Selby is currently chasing a fifth world title and began his latest campaign against Jak Jones.

Davis believes Mark Selby is underrated in the world of snooker Credit: Alamy

John Higgins is also one of the players Davis believes is an absolute top star Credit: Getty

Victory would set up a clash with rising Chinese star Wu Yize, who impressed in his opening match.

Meanwhile, reigning champion Zhao Xintong is already being tipped as a future great.

And despite missing out on Davis’ list, Hendry himself believes Zhao has the potential to dominate the sport for years to come.

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