Ronnie O'Sullivan's Historic Break Impacts World Open Prize Distribution
Thai snooker star Thepchaiya Un-Nooh secured the most significant victory of his professional career by winning the World Open in Yushan, yet his financial reward was notably diminished due to an extraordinary achievement by his final opponent, Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Un-Nooh's Triumphant Victory and Financial Outcome
Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, aged 40, clinched his second ranking title with a hard-fought 10-7 victory over the legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan in the World Open final. This monumental win earned him a substantial prize of £175,000, which represents a dramatic increase compared to his previous ranking success at the 2019 Shoot Out, where he pocketed £32,000.
However, Un-Nooh's total earnings could have been significantly higher, reaching £225,000, if not for O'Sullivan's prior accomplishment in the tournament. The English snooker icon made history during his quarter-final match against Ryan Day by compiling a mesmerising break of 153, thereby establishing a new world record for the highest break in professional snooker.
O'Sullivan's Record-Breaking Performance and Its Consequences
Ronnie O'Sullivan, often referred to as 'The Rocket', surpassed the previous record break of 148, which was set by Jamie Burnett during the 2004 UK Championship qualifiers. This remarkable feat was achieved by capitalising on a free ball opportunity in the opening frame against Day, allowing him to exceed the traditional maximum break limit of 147.
As a direct result of O'Sullivan's record-breaking performance, the £75,000 bonus for the highest break at the World Open was already secured before the final commenced. This development proved particularly consequential because Un-Nooh himself compiled a flawless 147 maximum break during the final, which under normal circumstances would have entitled him to that additional prize money.
Gracious Sportsmanship and Professional Respect
Despite the financial implications of his record break, O'Sullivan demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship following his defeat in the final. The 50-year-old Englishman was effusive in his praise for Un-Nooh's performance, acknowledging the Thai player's exceptional skill and determination.
"I just want to say well done to Thepchaiya, who played unbelievable snooker," O'Sullivan stated. "I watched him play against Judd Trump last night, and he made the No. 1 player in the world look second best. I was hoping he wouldn't play like that today but he did. He gave me a good hiding, really."
Broader Implications for Un-Nooh's Career
Beyond the immediate financial considerations, Un-Nooh's victory at the World Open has generated significant positive momentum for his professional career. The triumph has propelled him to 22nd position in the World Snooker Tour rankings and has guaranteed him one of the twelve coveted places at the upcoming Tour Championship in Manchester.
Un-Nooh expressed profound satisfaction with his achievement, particularly given the stature of his opponent in the final. "I just wanted to try my best because I didn't know when I might be in another final again," he reflected. "It is like a double dream final now. This has always been my dream, to lift the title against Ronnie O'Sullivan in the final."
The Thai veteran added, "For the rest of my life this is something I'm not going to forget. And to make a 147 in the final against Ronnie O'Sullivan is a great honour. This is my first time winning a major event and this is the biggest prize of my career. It is a dream come true and a step forward."
While the additional £50,000 in prize money would have been welcome, Un-Nooh's historic victory against one of snooker's greatest players, coupled with the largest prize fund of his career to date, ensures that his World Open triumph will remain an unforgettable milestone in his professional journey.
