Ronnie O’Sullivan makes history with 153 break

Ronnie O’Sullivan made the highest break in professional snooker with a 153 in China. Pic: Danny Lawson/PA

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

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

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.