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Last Updated:March 20, 2026, 19:01 IST
Ronnie O’Sullivan made snooker history with a record 153 break at the World Open, surpassing all previous highs and reinforcing his status as the game’s greatest ever.
Britain's Ronnie O'Sullivan plays a shot during Frame 1 of his match against Ryan Day of Wales at the Snooker World Open (AFP)
Just when you think he’s done it all, Ronnie O’Sullivan finds a way to raise the bar again.
The seven-time world champion produced a moment of pure snooker magic on Friday, crafting a record-breaking 153 break at the World Open in Yushan, China.
It’s the highest ever recorded in professional snooker, and yet another entry in a career that’s already bursting with milestones.
A Break for the Ages
The 50-year-old Englishman pulled off the feat during his quarter-final clash against Ryan Day, cruising to a dominant 5-0 win to seal his spot in the semi-finals.
After leaving Day in a tricky snooker, a failed escape attempt handed O’Sullivan a free ball. Starting with the green, followed by a black, he quickly got into rhythm.
From there, it was vintage “Rocket."
He cleared 15 reds, paired with 13 blacks and two pinks, before calmly mopping up the colours to reach the eye-watering 153.
A smile, a thumbs-up, and a roaring crowd followed.
Pushing the Limits of the Game
O’Sullivan’s 153 is remarkable not just for the number, but for what it represents.
The maximum standard break in snooker is 147, a feat he has achieved a record 17 times. With the help of a free ball, however, players can go beyond that, and O’Sullivan has now taken it further than anyone ever has.
The only previous break above 147 in professional competition was a 148 by Jamie Burnett back in 2004.
For context, the theoretical maximum under such conditions is 155 — meaning O’Sullivan came just two points short.
The Rocket Rolls On
“Just want to say a big shout-out to all the people that have been messaging me, congratulating me on the 153," O’Sullivan said in a video message.
“It was a pretty cool moment, really happy to do it. Thank you to everyone out there who has supported me."
(with AFP inputs)
First Published:
March 20, 2026, 19:01 IST
News sports other-sports Snooker GOAT? O'Sullivan Scripts History With Record-Breaking 153 Break | WATCH
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