Ronnie O’Sullivan recorded the top break in professional snooker, compiling a 153 at the World Open held in Yushan, China today.
The 50‑year‑old reached the milestone after leaving Ryan Day snookered to start the first frame of their quarter‑final clash, and the Welshman’s unsuccessful escape attempt gave O’Sullivan a free ball.
That free ball let the seven‑time world champion open the frame with a green, then a black, earning immediately eight points before he moved on to the reds.
O’Sullivan then proceeded to clear all 15 reds, pairing them with 13 blacks and two pinks, and subsequently cleared the colours in order to complete the record‑setting officially 153.
He already still holds a career total of 17 maximum 147 breaks, and the 153 left him two points shy of the theoretical ceiling of 155. The only higher break recorded in the modern professional era was Jamie Burnett’s 148 in UK Championship qualifying back in 2004.
“Thanks to everyone who messaged and congratulated me on the 153,” O’Sullivan said in a video he posted online. “It was a great moment, I’m really pleased. Thank you to all who have backed me.”
The swift start set the tone for a spectacular dominant 5‑0 rout, propelling O’Sullivan into the semi‑finals again in Yushan, in the match.
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