Ronnie O'Sullivan has etched his name into the annals of snooker history by achieving the highest break ever recorded in professional play, a remarkable 153, during his quarter-final match at the World Open. Despite this stunning feat, the 50-year-old legend confessed that he still "doesn't feel great" over his shots, highlighting ongoing struggles with his technique and game unpredictability.
A Record-Breaking Performance
In a dominant 5-0 victory over Ryan Day, O'Sullivan seized the opportunity to make history after Day failed to escape a snooker in the opening frame. Awarded a free ball, O'Sullivan began with a green followed by an opening black, putting him eight points ahead before attacking the reds. He then proceeded to clear all 15 reds, accompanied by 13 blacks and two pinks, before finishing with all the colours to complete the 153 break.
This achievement surpasses the previous highest break of 148, set by Jamie Burnett in the 2004 UK Championship qualifying, and falls just two points short of the theoretical maximum of 155. Reflecting on the moment, O'Sullivan expressed his excitement, stating, "It was a great buzz. I could have tried to get the other black, but I just thought I don't think anyone's ever made a break above 147 on TV, so I thought it would be the first."
Mixed Emotions Amid Success
Despite the record-breaking accomplishment, O'Sullivan, who has missed several major events this year, opened up about the challenges he faces in his game. He admitted, "I don't feel great over any shot to be honest here I'm just trying to find a new method which allows me to get the cue through." He elaborated on the unpredictability, noting that on some shots, he is unsure where the ball will go, and certain shots are no longer in his repertoire due to changes in his method.
O'Sullivan emphasized a pragmatic acceptance of his current situation, saying, "I have to accept that I'd rather have what I've got now than what I had before. What I had before, I couldn't play so at least here I feel I can get through the ball I can make some breaks, I can get the white moving about, but there are certain shots I just don't have in my locker." He remains hopeful that these skills might return in the future but is grateful for his present abilities.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, O'Sullivan advances to the semi-finals, where he will face Yize Wu, who defeated Mark Allen 5-1 in the quarter-finals. The snooker community continues to buzz with discussions about O'Sullivan's historic break and his candid reflections on his game, underscoring his enduring impact on the sport.
As O'Sullivan himself put it, "I'm sure long past when I'm not here there'll still be people going, 'oh that was pretty cool what that guy done'." This record not only cements his legacy but also highlights the resilience and adaptability required at the highest levels of competition.
