Ronnie O'Sullivan makes HISTORY with snooker's highest ever break

Ronnie O'Sullivan celebrated one of the highlights of his trophy-laden career as he made the highest break in professional snooker at the World Open on Friday morning.

The 50-year-old achieved the unprecedented feat of a 153 break after leaving quarter-final opponent Ryan Day in a snooker at the start of the opening frame.

The Welshman's failed attempt to get out of it handed O'Sullivan a free ball. That allowed the seven-time world champion to start his break with the green - for one point - followed by an opening black to put him on eight points before even beginning on the reds.

O'Sullivan then reeled off the 15 reds, accompanied by 13 further blacks and two pinks before clearing up the colours to land a record-breaking 153.

His rapid start paved the way for a dominant 5-0 victory as O'Sullivan stormed into the semi-finals in China.

O'Sullivan's 153 break surpassed the previous tournament record of 148, by Jamie Burnett in qualifying for the 2004 UK Championship. Against Leo Fernandez, Burnett took the brown as the free ball, then potted the brown again followed by the 15 reds with 12 blacks, two pinks and a blue, then the six colours. That was the first time a player had surpassed 147 in a professional match.

In theory, the highest achievable break in almost every snooker tournament is 155 - if a player pots a free ball, followed by the black, 15 reds and 15 blacks and the colours.

However, in the Saudi Arabia Masters a 167 is achievable as the tournament has a golden ball worth 20 points which can only be potted after a player has made a 147. It is placed on the baulk cushion above the brown ball, and kept on the table until a 147 is no longer possible.

After his match on Friday the Rocket thanked fans, posting a video on X in which he said: 'Just wanted to say a big shoutout to all the people who've been messaging me, congratulating me on the 153. 

'It was a pretty cool moment, happy to do it. Thank you to everyone out there who's supported me. Keep enjoying the snooker in Yushan.'

O'Sullivan has played only sparingly this season - and withdrew from the Masters in January - but appears to be in superb form just a month out from the World Championship in Sheffield. Last season he reached the semi-finals at the Crucible, losing to eventual champion Zhao Xintong. 

O'Sullivan told World Snooker Tour: 'There's a few in there that really mean a lot to me and are special moments. I'm sure that's up there.

'I've never made anything more than a 147. For me it's the excitement, the buzz. If the excitement and the buzz is there I can do great things. I need to think there's a good reward at the end of it. Then you get focused (and) it sharpens the mind up a bit.'

But despite his stunning performance O'Sullivan, maintains he is still far from his best.

'I don't feel great on any shot to be honest with you,' said O'Sullivan. 'At least here I feel like I can get the cue through the ball, make some breaks, get the white moving about. There's certain shots I just don't have in my locker. At the moment I'm just grateful to have what I've got.'

Earlier this season, O'Sullivan became only the second player to make two maximum breaks in one match. He also holds the records for the fastest 147, and the most maximum breaks in professional competition.

World No3 Neil Robertson was full of praise for the Rocket after his record break, posting on X: 'The best ever and the best there ever will be. Snooker fans I hope you’ve cherished him over the years in the joy he’s brought to millions over 4 decades.'