Ronnie O’Sullivan Sets New Snooker Record with Historic 153 Break

Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan etched his name further into the history books on Friday, March 20, 2026, with a record-breaking 153 break during his 5-0 victory over Ryan Day at the World Open in Yushan, China. The seven-time world champion surpassed the previous high break of 148, set by Jamie Burnett in 2004.

How a 153 Break is Possible

Snooker, a sport defined by precise geometry and scoring, traditionally recognizes a maximum break of 147. This is achieved by potting all 15 red balls, each worth one point, alternating with black balls (worth seven points), and then clearing the colors. However, a rule known as the “free ball” allows for scores exceeding 147.

When a player is snookered after a foul by their opponent – meaning no red balls are directly accessible – they can nominate a color as a “free ball.” This color temporarily functions as a red ball. Successfully potting the free ball and then a color allows the break to continue, potentially adding points beyond the traditional maximum.

O’Sullivan’s Historic Break

Early in the first frame against Ryan Day, O’Sullivan forced a foul, resulting in a free ball. He nominated the green, potting it as if it were a red for one point, followed by a black. He then proceeded to pot all 15 reds, accompanied by 13 blacks and two pinks (worth six points each), before clearing the colors. This remarkable sequence culminated in a record-breaking total of 153 points.

The break took approximately nine minutes to complete.

Why O’Sullivan’s Feat Was So Rare

While the theoretical maximum break is 155, achieving a score as high as 153 requires a specific sequence of events. The free ball must be available at the start of the break, and the player must then execute a near-flawless clearance of the table. O’Sullivan’s break wasn’t a “perfect” 147 within the larger break, as he potted two pinks instead of blacks, but the initial free ball and subsequent control demonstrated exceptional skill and mental fortitude.

Despite falling short of the theoretical maximum, O’Sullivan’s 153 remains the highest break in professional snooker history, surpassing the previous record by six points.

O’Sullivan’s Legacy

Ronnie O’Sullivan is widely considered the greatest snooker player of all time, boasting seven World Championship titles and over 1,317 professional century breaks. He previously hit two 147s in a single match during the semifinals of the Saudi Arabia Masters in August 2025.

“Big shout out to all the people who have messaged me and congratulated me on the 153,” O’Sullivan said in a video posted on X. “It was a pretty cool moment, really happy to do it. Thank you to everyone out there who has supported me.”

Former world champion Neil Robertson lauded O’Sullivan’s achievement on X, stating he is “the best ever and the best there ever will be.”

O’Sullivan continues to redefine the boundaries of snooker, proving that even in a sport with established rules, there is always room for innovation and exceptional performance.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.