Ronnie O'Sullivan Makes History with Record-Breaking 153 Snooker Break

Ronnie O'Sullivan has etched his name in the annals of snooker history by achieving the highest break in professional snooker, hitting an unprecedented 153 at the World Open in China. The 50-year-old snooker legend began his record-breaking feat after his quarter-final opponent, Ryan Day, was left in a difficult position, allowing O'Sullivan to claim a free ball. This enabled him to start his break with the green, followed by the opening black, putting him on eight points before he even started on the reds. O'Sullivan then proceeded to pot the 15 reds, accompanied by 13 blacks and two pinks, before clearing up the colors to land the record-breaking 153. The seven-time world champion expressed his excitement, stating, 'It was a great buzz, I could have tried and got the other black but I thought nobody has ever made a break above 147 on TV so thought I would be the first.' O'Sullivan's rapid start paved the way for a dominant 5-0 victory, propelling him into the semi-finals in China. He is now seeking to win his first ranking event on the world tour since beating Judd Trump in the World Grand Prix final in January 2024. The former world No 1 has been praised by fellow professionals, including Australian snooker player Neil Robertson, who hailed O'Sullivan as 'the best ever and the best there ever will be.' O'Sullivan's achievement has broken the previous record held by Jamie Burnett, who achieved a 148 break in UK Championship qualifying in 2004. Widely regarded as the greatest-ever snooker player, O'Sullivan holds multiple records, including the most World titles, major titles, ranking crowns, and 147 breaks.