Ronnie O’Sullivan now holds 19 Guinness World Records titles, with his latest for the highest break (Image: Getty)
Ronnie O’Sullivan was presented with five Guinness World Records official certificates after his World Seniors Snooker Championship debut at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The Rocket holds 19 world records, with his latest coming at the World Open in March, when he recorded the highest break ever with a 153, topping the previous high of 151, which stood for 50 years.
O’Sullivan, 50, has broken several of his own records this year, bringing his total of century breaks to 1,330, when making his record-extending 219th at the World Championship in his unmatched 34th appearance. Last summer, he became the oldest player to record a maximum 147 break in professional competition, aged 49 years and 253 days, and he made two in the same match.
The Rocket has won the most career ranking titles with 41, 23 of which were at ‘Triple Crown’ tournaments, another record. O’Sullivan’s eight Masters titles and 10 Premier League titles are also unparalleled, while he has likewise won the joint-most World Championship titles, after matching Stephen Hendry‘s seven with his most recent triumph in 2022.
O’Sullivan is, though, the oldest UK Championship winner, taking his record eighth title two days before his 48th birthday in 2023. He remains the youngest to do so, too, with his win in 1993, aged 17 years and 358 days, still yet to be surpassed 33 years later.
There are also several records related to speed, including beating Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 10-1 in 2020 to set the fastest time to win a World Championship match, and becoming the first player to surpass 1,000 competitive centuries a year earlier. Twenty-three years ago, he recorded the fastest 147 break in five minutes and three seconds.
O’Sullivan also has the most competitive 147 breaks with 17, and the joint-most at the World Championships, again tied with Hendry on three. He, however, stands alone when it comes to the most points scored in a match without reply after managing 556 against Ricky Walden during their 2014 Masters quarter-final.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan holds a wide range of world records, recognsing his snooker longevity and success (Image: Getty)
Guinness World Records have now presented O’Sullivan with certificates for his highest break of 153, fastest 147, most competitive 147s, most career ranking titles and first to 1,000 competitive centuries. Their adjudicator, Rebecca Ward, did so backstage at the Crucible after he won 4-1 against Ken Doherty in their Seniors Championship second round match.
After the presentation, they paid tribute to The Rocket, saying: “Ronnie O’Sullivan has produced some of the most iconic moments in sporting history, so it’s a real privilege for Guinness World Records to recognise these achievements at the Crucible, a venue so closely tied to his career and legacy. From the fastest 147 break in snooker to this year’s incredible new highest break in snooker record, Ronnie has continued to redefine what’s possible in the sport across multiple decades at the very highest level.
“What makes record-breaking so special is its ability to inspire people. Ronnie’s career is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through talent, dedication and constantly pushing boundaries, and we hope moments like this encourage others to challenge themselves and be part of it too.”