O'Sullivan makes snooker history with 153 break

Ronnie O'Sullivan overtakes Jamie Burnett's record for the highest break on the World Snooker Tour by hitting a 153 in his quarter-final win over Ryan Day at the World Open in China.

Last Updated: 20/03/26 8:15am

Ronnie O'Sullivan made the highest break in professional snooker by hitting a 153 at the World Open in China.

The 50-year-old achieved the feat after leaving quarter-final opponent Ryan Day in a snooker at the start of the opening frame, with the Welshman's failed attempt to get out of it handed O'Sullivan a free ball.

That allowed the seven-time world champion to commence his break with the green, followed by his opening black to put him on eight points before even beginning on the reds.

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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 is seeking to win his first ranking event on the world tour since beating Judd Trump 10-7 in the World Grand Prix final in January 2024.

The former world No 1 had reached the quarter-finals with wins over Matthew Selt and Shaun Murphy.

Jamie Burnett previously held the World Snooker Tour record with his 148 break in UK Championship qualifying back in 2004.