Ronnie O’Sullivan showcased his exceptional snooker skills by achieving a remarkable 147 break at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, causing his opponent Thepchaiya Un-Nooh to miss out on a significant bonus. Not stopping there, O’Sullivan went on to achieve a second maximum break during the same match.
The tournament offers a £50,000 prize for a maximum break, which Un-Nooh was set to claim before O’Sullivan’s extraordinary performance. Consequently, O’Sullivan is now in line to receive two-thirds of the prize money.
In a stunning display of talent, O’Sullivan not only secured victory over Chris Wakelin in Jeddah but also earned an additional £147,000 bonus, boosting his total earnings to over £180,000.
Commenting on O’Sullivan’s prowess, Steven Hallworth remarked during TNT Sports’ coverage of the event, “You mention snooker, and you think of him. This is why he is adored. What an exceptional player.”
O’Sullivan triumphed over Wakelin with a 6-3 victory, securing his spot in the final where he will face Neil Robertson, who also claimed a 6-3 win against Elliot Slessor.
This achievement marked O’Sullivan’s first competitive 147 since 2018, setting a new record as the oldest player to achieve a maximum break, which he then surpassed by a few minutes.
A notable addition for the 2025-26 season, players are eligible for a £147,000 bonus if they achieve two maximum breaks across the 2025 UK Championship, the 2026 Masters, and the 2026 World Snooker Championship. However, O’Sullivan managed to accomplish this feat in just one event.
While O’Sullivan had previously questioned small prizes for maximum breaks, he was handsomely rewarded in Saudi Arabia, receiving a substantial six-figure sum for his second 147 break.
Looking ahead, both O’Sullivan and Robertson have the opportunity to further increase their financial rewards in the upcoming final. The winner will secure a generous £500,000 prize, with the runner-up receiving £200,000.
Reflecting on his journey, O’Sullivan emphasized the significance of reaching the final in terms of ranking points, making his scheduling easier for future events. He acknowledged the elevated competition level, stressing the constant dedication required to achieve such results.
As the 2025/26 season approaches, Sky has announced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering savings of £192 and featuring over 1,400 live matches across various leagues, including at least 215 live Premier League games, a significant increase from previous seasons.