Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Cases/2008-05-18 Stephen Hendry

Request details
WalterMitty and myself are in a heated dispute over a quite minor alteration to the article. I believe that in the introduction it should read 'Hendry is widely considered to be the most successful player in the sport's history'. WalterMitty has persistently sought to revert this to 'Hendry is considered one of the most successful players in the sport's history'.

Who are the involved parties?
Myself (jleadermaynard) and WalterMitty

What's going on?
WalterMitty's version of the introduction, which is how the article reads at the moment (after WalterMitty breached the 3RR rule I have left the current entry as it is to avoid doing the same) is, in my view, innacurate. While it is perhaps reasonable to say that Hendry's status as the 'greatest player' in the game is debateable, he is empirically the most successful, as numerous records described in the article, and four citations that I have provided demonstrate. WalterMitty claims that such a statement is subjective and not encyclopaedic. This is untrue - greatness may potentially be subjective, success is not, and comments of this kind have been made on the BBC profile for Hendry and the Cuesport Book of Professional Snooker. Statements of this kind are found in the wikipedia intros of various other sporting figures (including Pete Sampras, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Jahangir Khan), and in my view the same justification for including such a line for their pages stands for Hendry - it gives readers who only glance at the intro an accurate reflection of his standing in the sport. 'Widely considered' does not imply it is beyond contention, but accurately reflects the factual perspective repeatedly stated on television and mentioned in numerous commentaries, of which as I mention I have cited four authoritative sources, while WalterMitty has provided none. Hendry is described by fellow great Steve Davis as 'in a league of his own', and holds more records than any other player, including the most ranking titles, most modern world titles and most prize money. It is accurate and fair to say he is the most successful player in the sport's history, and follows the precedent set by articles of other sports figures who have enjoyed a similar status within their sports.

What would you like to change about that?
The introduction should stand as 'Hendry is widely considered to be the most successful player in the sport's history'. It is as applicable to him as any of the similar figures to which it has been applied throughout wikipedia. Having not had to submit a MedCab request before, I don't know whether this is the place to mention this, but WalterMitty has also ceased discussion when reverting changes on the talk page, and been uncivil during the discussion (see Talk Page), I don't know if this should be pursued. Apologies for inconvenience, and appreciation for any help.

Mediator notes

 * Contacted participants on talk page. Sunray (talk) 04:05, 19 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Jleadermaynard cooperated; WalterMitty also participated, despite the block (!) Consensus was achieved. Sunray (talk) 07:09, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

Administrative notes

 * WalterMitty has been blocked. I will continue to discuss the issues on the talk page for now. Sunray (talk) 04:05, 19 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Discussed the situation with the blocking administrator. We agreed on a course of action and implemented it. Sunray (talk) 07:09, 21 May 2008 (UTC)