Ronnie O’Sullivan made snooker history by scoring a remarkable 153 break during his World Open quarter-final against Ryan Day. The record happened after O’Sullivan earned a free ball, which gave him the unusual chance to score more than the normal maximum 147. He had left Day in trouble at the start of the frame by hiding the cue ball behind other balls.
When Day failed to hit the ball he needed, O’Sullivan was given the free ball. He then potted a green ball as if it were an extra red, before sinking a black. After that, he calmly built a huge break by potting 15 reds, 13 blacks and two pinks. He then cleared the remaining coloured balls to finish on 153, the highest break ever made in professional snooker.
The previous professional record was 148, set by Jamie Burnett in 2004 during the UK Championship qualifiers. O’Sullivan, who is a seven-time world champion, has now added another famous moment to his long career. He has also made a perfect 147 break 17 times before. After the match, he said he was very happy with the achievement and thanked his supporters.
O’Sullivan, who is 50, beat Ryan Day 5-0 to reach the semi-finals. He will now play Wu Yize in the next round. The special break will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary moments the sport has ever seen.
