Ronnie O’Sullivan smashes 22-year-old snooker record as opponent and commentator stunned
Ronnie O’Sullivan etched his name into the record books this morning by compiling a remarkable 153 break during his World Open quarter-final against Ryan Day in Yushan, China.
The achievement represents the highest break ever witnessed in professional snooker, eclipsing Jamie Burnett’s 148 from the 2004 UK Championship qualifying rounds.
At 50 years of age and more than three decades since turning professional, the seven-time world champion continues to deliver extraordinary moments that defy expectation.
The Rocket, who has previously compiled a record 17 maximum 147 breaks throughout his illustrious career, benefited from a free ball opportunity to surpass the traditional maximum and claim this unprecedented milestone.
The historic break featured 14 black balls alongside two pinks before O’Sullivan cleared all the remaining colours to reach his final tally.
His extraordinary effort left him just two points shy of the theoretical maximum of 155, the highest score achievable in a single visit to the table.
Television viewers saw 169 displayed on the scoreboard when the final black dropped into the pocket, as Day had conceded 16 points through fouls prior to O’Sullivan beginning his record-breaking clearance.
Ronnie O’Sullivan etched his name into the record books this morning by compiling a remarkable 153 break during his World Open quarter-final against Ryan Day in Yushan, China
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GETTY
Upon completing the feat, the Welshman congratulated his opponent, while O’Sullivan responded with a broad grin and acknowledged the crowd with a thumbs up after they witnessed snooker history unfold.
TNT Sports commentator Dave Hendon captured the magnitude of the moment, declaring: “He’s done it. Wow. What a break.
“From the genius Ronnie O’Sullivan, the highest break we have ever seen in professional snooker. A 153. Quite incredible.
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“Well, we have seen some stuff down the years but that takes your breath away.”
Former world No 3 Neal Foulds was equally overwhelmed by what he had witnessed.
“That is just mind blowing. I am absolutely so excited to have seen that,” Foulds remarked.
O’Sullivan is expected to collect the £5,000 high break prize for his efforts in what marks the final overseas ranking event of the season.
O’Sullivan’s dominance extended well beyond his record-breaking contribution, as he demolished Day 5-0 to secure his place in the semi-finals.
Ronnie O’Sullivan remains in the mix for glory in Yushan
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GETTYThe match showcased the Englishman’s exceptional form, with additional breaks of 110, 103, 95 and 62 complementing his historic 153.
Day, the 2022 British Open champion, managed just 38 points across the entire encounter against his imperious opponent.
The victory keeps alive O’Sullivan’s pursuit of a first ranking title in two years at the Chinese venue.
In the last four, the 50-year-old will face either Mark Allen or China’s Wu Yize as he continues his quest for silverware in Yushan.
