Universally regarded as one of the greatest to pick up a cue, Ronnie O’Sullivan continues to stun fans with his epic performances.
He fired in TWO maximum breaks, along with breaks of 142 & 134, in his win over Chris Wakelin to reach the Saudi Arabia Masters showdown – his 68th ranking event final.
Unfortunately for fans of the Rocket, he was defeated in a final frame decider by Australian Neil Robertson. But his performances were a refreshing glimpse of the return of the dominant force he is.
Approaching the age of 50, O’Sullivan has always been adored by fans, not only for his record equalling seven World Championship titles but his swift, effortless, attacking style of snooker.
He holds the record for the youngest winner of both the UK Championship and the Masters. He tasted UK Championship glory in 1993 at just 17 years old, while his first Masters victory came two years later in 1995.
He also holds the record for being the oldest champion of all three Triple Crown events, the World Championship, UK Championship and the Masters.
Having turned professional in 1992 amid enormous expectation, he responded to that pressure by winning his first 38 matches on tour, a record he proudly still holds today.
By winning the 2013 World Championship Ronnie became the first player to defend his World Championship title since Stephen Hendry in 1996. He joined Hendry and Steve Davis in an exclusive club of players who defended. The feat was all the more remarkable because he had only played, and lost, one competitive match all season.
In that 2013 campaign he won the World Championship having missed an entire season – an incredible achievement.
Here is a list of some more records The Rocket currently holds:
· 7-times World Champion
· 41 Ranking Event Titles
· Youngest Ever Master Champion (19 Years, 69 Days)
· Highest career match win percentage (75%)
· 1,300 Centuries
· 17 Maximum Breaks
· Fastest Competitive Maximum Break (5 Minutes 8 Seconds, 1997 WC)
· Leads All-Time Prize Money Earned List (£14.9 Million)
· Leading Crucible appearances (32)
· Quickest ever Crucible match – 108 minutes
Holding so many records in the sport is impressive and there are no signs of the great man slowing down just yet.
Main Image: Ronnie O’Sullivan – WST
