Ronnie O’Sullivan has written his name into the record books once again after producing a remarkable 153 break at the World Open in China.
The seven-time world champion achieved the feat during his quarter-final clash with Ryan Day, taking full advantage of an early opportunity in the opening frame. After leaving Day in a snooker, the Welshman failed to escape, gifting O’Sullivan a free ball.
That allowed O’Sullivan to begin his break with a green followed by a black before moving into the reds. From there, the 50-year-old produced a stunning display of precision and control.
He compiled 15 consecutive reds, adding 13 blacks and two pinks, before clearing the colours to finish on a total of 153. The break surpasses previous benchmarks and stands as a historic moment in professional snooker.
O’Sullivan carried that momentum through the match, securing a comprehensive 5-0 victory to book his place in the semi-finals of the tournament.
The Englishman had already impressed earlier in the competition with wins over Ross Muir, Matthew Selt and Shaun Murphy to reach the last eight.
His run in China has already earned him more than £50,000 in prize money, with the highest break bonus of £5,000 also expected to be added to his total.
O’Sullivan will now face Wu Yize in the semi-finals, where victory would bring a further £22,000 and a place in the final.
Despite his latest success, O’Sullivan has not claimed a ranking title since beating Judd Trump in the 2024 World Grand Prix final. He is currently priced at 15/8 to go on and win the World Open.
The previous record for the highest break was held by Jamie Burnett, who made a 148 during UK Championship qualifying in 2004.
