Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan made history by achieving a record-breaking 153 break against Ryan Day during the World Open in Yushan, China. O’Sullivan’s exceptional performance led him to defeat Matthew Selt and Shaun Murphy, securing a spot in the quarter-finals against Day.
Dubbed ‘The Rocket,’ O’Sullivan set a new milestone in the opening frame against Day, surpassing the previous record of 148 held by Jamie Burnett. The 50-year-old executed a flawless 16-red clearance after receiving a free ball, showcasing his skill by clearing the table with precision.
Although O’Sullivan came close to a perfect 155 total maximum break, he had to settle for the pink instead of the black due to a slight misstep during one shot. Despite the pressure, O’Sullivan maintained his composure and potted a remarkable black to reach the historic 153 break.
Day, acknowledging his rival’s achievement, applauded O’Sullivan’s remarkable performance. Commentator Neal Foulds expressed astonishment at the feat, describing it as “mindblowing.” O’Sullivan’s record-breaking 153 break eclipsed Burnett’s previous high of 148 set in 2004.
Despite a disappointing season, O’Sullivan’s outstanding performance in the World Open places him on the brink of securing a semi-final spot as he currently leads 4-0 against world No.36 Day. This remarkable achievement cements O’Sullivan’s legacy as one of snooker’s greatest players.