Thepchaiya Unnu made a perfect 147 break in the famous penultimate frame of his 10-7 win over Ronnie O’Sullivan in the World Open final. O’Sullivan led 4-0, but three consecutive centuries broke him to lead again at 7-6 before a fine finish from Unnow clinched the title.
Last updated: 22/03/26 14:49
Ronnie O’Sullivan and Thepchaiya Unnu compete in a thrilling and eventful World Open final
Ronnie O’Sullivan lost 10-7 to Thailand’s Thepchaiya Unnu in the World Open final, with Unnu posting a break of 147 in the penultimate frame.
Seeking a record-extending 42nd title in his 66th rankings final, O’Sullivan rushed to an early 4-0 lead, but Unnow reeled off the next six frames.
However, ‘Rocket’ came back and scored an incredible streak of three centuries – 114, 102 and 136 – to take back the lead and extend the lead to 7 wins and 6 losses.
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Incredibly, Unnou was again more than equal to his opponent in the next four frames, the last three of which were his own for centuries, including the biggest frame to lead 9-7 for a memorable victory.
He became the second Thai player to win a full-format ranking event after James Wattana.
Earlier in the tournament on Friday, O’Sullivan smashed 153 for the tournament, the highest in professional snooker.
Ronnie O’Sullivan wins the World Open quarter-finals with a break of 153, the highest record in professional snooker
The 50-year-old achieved the feat after leaving his quarter-final opponent Ryan Day snookered at the start of the opening frame, with the Welshman failing in his attempt to break out of it, giving O’Sullivan a free ball.
This allowed the seven-time world champion to start the break from the green and then earn eight points before going into the red in the opening black.
He then rolled out 15 reds, along with 13 blacks and two pinks to clear the colors for a record-breaking 153, paving the way to a resounding 5-0 victory.
O’Sullivan signed up to compete in the World Senior Championships for the first time this year.
O’Sullivan’s road to the World Open final
Round 1: Ronnie O’Sullivan 5-1 Ross Muir Round 2: Ishpreet Singh Chadda 0-5 Ronnie O’Sullivan (bye)Round 3: Ronnie O’Sullivan 5-0 Matthew SeltoRound 4: Ronnie O’Sullivan 5-3 Sean Murphy Quarter-final: Ronnie O’Sullivan 5-0 Ryan Day Semi-final: Ronnie O’Sullivan 6-5 Wu Eze
