Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has described scoring two maximum 147 breaks in the same match as the 'most freakish thing' he has ever achieved in the sport.
The Historic Saudi Arabia Masters Performance
The seven-time world champion made history during August's Saudi Arabia Masters in Riyadh, where the 49-year-old accomplished what no player had done before. During his semi-final clash against Chris Wakelin, O'Sullivan scored two perfect 147 breaks in the same match on the same day.
The first maximum came in the opening frame, while the second followed in the seventh frame of the contest. O'Sullivan went on to secure a 6-3 victory over Wakelin, advancing through the competition with this unprecedented display of snooker excellence.
O'Sullivan's Reflection on Perfection and Form
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of this week's UK Championship, The Rocket opened up about the significance of his achievement and his current form. 'As a sportsman, I think that's all you're ever trying to do really is to chip away at the weaknesses,' O'Sullivan revealed.
'You never stop aiming for perfection. You never stop. Although there isn't perfection, I think there's beyond perfection, I've had that many times.'
The snooker icon described his mindset during that remarkable semi-final, stating he felt both 'instinctive' and 'clinically good' throughout the match. He acknowledged that while mistakes are inevitable in sport, that particular performance represented something extraordinary.
Looking Ahead to the UK Championship
O'Sullivan now turns his attention to the UK Championship in York, which begins at the Barbican Centre this Saturday. The eight-time UK Championship winner will be chasing a record-extending ninth title in the competition, having last won the tournament in 2023.
Judd Trump enters as defending champion, setting up what promises to be another thrilling chapter in snooker's prestigious triple crown event. O'Sullivan's reflection on his recent form suggests he's approaching the tournament with renewed confidence after what he described as a three-year period of struggle and self-doubt.
'My long game's never my best, but technically, I just felt great. I'm cueing well, I'm enjoying the game,' O'Sullivan shared, indicating he has overcome the technical challenges that had previously hampered his performance.
