O’Sullivan becomes oldest player to make 147 break

Ronnie O’Sullivan became the oldest player to make a 147 break after compiling a maximum in the opening frame of his Saudi Arabia Masters semi-final against Chris Wakelin.

It was a stunning exhibition of cue-ball control from ‘The Rocket’, who knocked in 15 reds with 15 blacks before dispatching all the colours to register the 16th total clearance of his career in Jeddah – and his first in competition for seven years.

At 49 years and 253 days, O’Sullivan last recorded a competitive maximum during the 2018 English Open.

The seven-time world champion’s tally of 16 is three more than that of John Higgins, who is a fellow member of snooker’s fabled ‘Class of 92’.

He is in line to share a £50,000 147 bonus with Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, who knocked in the third maximum of the season earlier this week.

Both players will also collect a further £147,000 if they are able to make another 147 at any of this season’s Triple Crown events – the UK Championship, Masters and World Championship.

In Friday’s earlier last-four match – at a tournament regarded as snooker’s ‘fourth major’ by organisers – Neil Robertson claimed a 6-3 win over Elliot Slessor.

While neither player was at their best, the rejuvenated Australian was always in control and enjoyed two runs of 93 and a 50 as he reached the 39th ranking final of his career.

“The start was crucial today, I could see Elliot was a bit nervous and I was able to use my experience,” said 2010 Crucible winner Robertson.

“To get to the final is huge in terms of ranking points, it means I should be in all of the big events later in the season which makes my scheduling so much easier.