New Delhi: Ronnie O’Sullivan just can’t stop making records. Widely regarded as the greatest snooker player of all time, the English icon already boasts an extraordinary CV, and the latest record easily tops it all.
The serial record-breaker is showing no signs of slowing down. The 50-year-old scripted more history on Thursday by making the highest ever break in the history of professional snooker.
The seven-time world champion made a clearance with a break of 153 in the first frame of his 5-0 victory over Ryan Day at the World Open in China. The highest possible break in snooker is 155.
O’Sullivan surpassed the previous biggest break in competition, which was 148, made by Jamie Burnett in qualifying for the UK Championship in 2004.
O’Sullivan makes full use of the free ball
The “maximum” break in snooker is 147 – 15 reds, 15 blacks and all the colours, but a player records more if he starts it with a free ball, which comes into effect when a player is snookered on all the reds following a foul by the opponent. In the case of free ball, the player can nominate another ball as a red before potting a colour and then starting his break as normal.
O’Sullivan got the free ball after Day’s failed attempt to save himself from a snooker. As O’Sullivan was unable to see both edges of the red ball, he followed a free ball and a black by potting 15 reds, 13 blacks and two pinks to reach the colours, which he mopped up despite being under huge pressure history on the line.
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s historic 153 break! The highest ever in snooker history 🤯pic.twitter.com/8XwxGWV8EB
— Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) March 20, 2026
After clearing up the table, O’ Sullivan seemed surprised by the score and shared a light moment with Day while shaking hands.
Another day in the office for O’Sullivan
A highly enigmatic and entertaining player, O’Sullivan is tied for the record of most world titles with Stephen Hendry. He tops the list of most major titles (23), the most ranking titles (41) and most 147 breaks (17). He also holds the record of making the quickest 147 in just 5 minutes, 8 seconds at the world championship in 1997.
Despite making sporadic appearances this season, O’Sullivan has made two maximums (147s) in one match during the semifinals of the Saudi Arabia Masters.