Ronnie O'Sullivan jokes he's 'still rusty' after claiming record 153 World Open break over Ryan Day: 'Rusty Ron, they should call me'
Published 20/03/2026 at 11:44 GMT
Ronnie O'Sullivan reflected on achieving the highest ever century break in his World Open victory over Ryan Day. The Rocket joked that he was "still rusty" and should be dubbed "Rusty Ron" after recording a 153 haul and dispatching Day in a 5-0 whitewash. The seven-time world \champion will face home favourite Wu Yize in the tournament's semi-final.
‘I still feel a bit rusty’ – O’Sullivan jokes about form after historic 153 break
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ronnie O’Sullivan joked he was ”still rusty” after achieving the highest break in snooker history in his World Open victory over Ryan Day.
The Rocket capitalised on a free ball in the opening frame to claim a record 153 haul against Day.
The clearance set O'Sullivan on course for a 5-0 victory, and a place in the tournament’s semi-final, where he will face China’s Wu Yize.
”It was a buzz,” O’Sullivan said. ”I could have tried to have a black, but I thought, ‘I don’t think anyone’s ever made a break above 147 on TV'. So I thought I’d be the first.
”I’ve been the first at many things, so I thought I might as well get that one as well. It’s great, and I feel blessed to be able to achieve these things.
”I’m sure that long passed, when I’m not here, there will still be people going: ‘That was pretty cool, what that guy did there'."
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WATCH IN FULL - Every pot from O'Sullivan's history-making break of 153
Video credit: TNT Sports
He then quipped he was "still rusty", as a sarcastic response to questions over his reduced playing schedule and recent form.
O'Sullivan joked: ”I still feel a little rusty, obviously I haven’t played enough matches and tournaments. That’s what everyone seems to be saying. I’m still hoping to shake the rustiness off.
"Maybe I’ll get a deal with WD40. ‘Rusty Ron,’ they should call me.”
Seven-time World Champion O’Sullivan has racked up a score of records across his career, including the fastest maximum break and the most every century breaks. Earlier this season, he even became the first person to ever record two 147s in one match.
”There are a few [moments] that really mean a lot to me,” O’Sullivan reflected.” A lot of special moments, and I’m sure that’s up there.”
He admitted that even in practice, ”never made anything more than a 147”, adding: ”For me, it’s the excitement and the buzz.
”If the excitement and buzz is there, I can do great things. But unless there’s something at the end of it. If not, I don’t really get excited by it. I need to think ‘There’s a good reward at the end of it’, and that gets you focused, and sharpens the mind a little bit.”
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On dealing with the pressure of recording a record break, O’Sullivan said: ”Obviously, there are little techniques you can do to handle yourself better than you normally would under pressure.
”I could have let the nerves go out of control, but there are things you are able to do to lower the heart rate, keep focused and stay present and not look too far ahead.
"I was thinking about trying to win the frame, and then it got to a certain point when I realised, ‘Oh, it seems like there are too many balls on the table. Something’s not quite right here’.
”That happened to me last time I was on for a 148. I looked at the table and thought, ‘Something’s not quite right. The guy should need snookers, but he doesn’t.’ That’s when I realised I took a free ball.”
The World Open runs between March 16-22, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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