Ronnie O’Sullivan has once again proven why he is regarded as the greatest snooker player of all time — this time by producing an astonishing feat never before witnessed in the sport’s history. In a jaw-dropping display of skill, precision, and nerve, the snooker legend compiled not one, but two flawless 147 maximum breaks in the same competitive match, securing a historic milestone and pocketing a massive £147,000 bonus.
The stunning performance came during a high-stakes tournament clash that has already been dubbed one of the greatest matches in snooker history. Spectators were left in disbelief as O’Sullivan, known for his breathtaking speed and flair around the table, executed the first maximum with his trademark swagger — gliding from red to black with surgical precision, weaving through the balls like a man possessed.
Yet, incredibly, he wasn’t done.
Just hours later, in the second half of the match, O’Sullivan once again cleared the table with clinical perfection. With the same calm demeanor and steely focus, he delivered a second 147 break, sending the crowd into rapturous applause and leaving his opponent stunned. No professional player in history had ever managed to pull off such a feat in a single match — until now.
Fans watching both in the arena and around the world were treated to a masterclass in cue control and positional play. It wasn’t just the technical brilliance that stood out, but the ease with which he made the game look almost effortless.
Speaking after the match, a typically modest O’Sullivan said, “To be honest, I was just in the zone. I wasn’t thinking about making 147s — I just wanted to win frames and play the right shots. But when you’re seeing the ball like that, everything flows.”
The seven-time world champion is no stranger to maximum breaks — he now boasts a record-breaking 17 official 147s, a number that cements his place atop the snooker pantheon. However, producing two in a single match is unprecedented and raises the bar for what even the most elite players can aspire to.
Social media erupted following the achievement, with fans and pundits alike praising the snooker icon. Former world champion Stephen Hendry tweeted: “I’ve seen some special things on the snooker table, but this is unreal. Ronnie’s just redefined greatness again.”
The £147,000 bonus was awarded as part of a special prize pot set aside for maximum breaks during the tournament, with an additional payout for multiple 147s in one match — a bonus most thought would never be claimed.
The match itself, while overshadowed by the twin 147s, was a tightly contested affair. O’Sullivan had to dig deep to fend off a determined opponent, showcasing not just his attacking brilliance but his mental fortitude under pressure. In the end, he emerged victorious, but it was the manner of his win that stole headlines.
Many in the snooker world are now calling for special recognition of the achievement, with some suggesting the sport may need to reconsider how it rewards such historic performances.
For O’Sullivan, the night was another chapter in a storied career that continues to evolve, even in his 50s. While younger players continue to challenge him, it’s moments like these that remind everyone why he remains the standard by which greatness in snooker is measured.
Two 147s. One match. One legend. Ronnie O’Sullivan has done it again — and this time, he’s made history.