Ronnie O’Sullivan’s cheeky response after cementing snooker legacy further with historic 153 break
Ronnie O’Sullivan has done it again, cementing his legendary status by smashing the highest break ever recorded in professional snooker.
The 50-year-old seven-time world champion compiled an extraordinary 153 break during his World Open quarter-final clash against Ryan Day in Yushan on Friday.
It’s a feat that surpasses Jamie Burnett’s previous record of 148, which had stood since a UK Championship qualifying match back in 2004.
Both historic breaks came courtesy of a free ball opportunity, but O’Sullivan’s achievement marks yet another milestone in what has been a truly remarkable career at the very top of the sport.
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s latest incredible achievement further cements his legendary status in snooker
|
GETTY
The Rocket was clearly buzzing after making history, telling World Snooker Tour: “There’s a few in there that really mean a lot to me and are special moments. I’m sure that’s up there.”
He couldn’t resist adding a typically cheeky observation about the achievement.
“I don’t think anyone has ever made a break above 147 on TV before. So I thought it would be the first. I’ve been the first of many things so I thought I might as well get that one as well,” he said.
O’Sullivan explained what drives him to these heights: “For me it’s the excitement, the buzz. If the excitement and the buzz is there I can do great things.”
The record-breaking moment came about thanks to a bit of misfortune for his Welsh opponent.
Every single point of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s RECORD-BREAKING 153! 🤯#WorldOpen pic.twitter.com/SsxtTDaylL
— WST (@WeAreWST) March 20, 2026
Day found himself trapped in a snooker right at the start of the opening frame, and his attempt to escape simply didn’t come off.
That handed O’Sullivan a free ball, which he used to pot the green first, followed by a black to rack up eight points before he’d even touched a red.
From there, the Rocket produced a flawless conventional clearance of 145 to complete the historic 153.
Play in the neighbouring match between Wu Yize and Mark Allen actually paused as O’Sullivan rolled in a tricky black along the top cushion to seal the moment.
O’Sullivan went on to demolish Day 5-0, adding two more centuries and a break of 95 to his stunning opener.
Ronnie O’Sullivan remains in the mix for glory in Yushan | GETTY
He’ll now face Wu in the semi-finals after the Chinese player dispatched Mark Allen 5-1.
Despite the brilliance on display, the Rocket insisted he’s nowhere near his peak form.
“I don’t feel great on any shot to be honest with you,” he admitted.
“There’s certain shots I just don’t have in my locker. At the moment I’m just grateful to have what I’ve got.”
Still, he was proud to deliver for the fans, saying: “I hope I managed to bring a lot of excitement and happiness to snooker fans worldwide.”
