Ronnie O’Sullivan Poised to Chase Another 147 Glory in Wuhan Open First Round After Historic Double Maximum at Saudi Arabia Masters
When it comes to snooker, Ronnie O’Sullivan has long been considered the sport’s most mercurial genius. At 49 years old, “The Rocket” continues to defy the passage of time, producing moments of sheer brilliance that most players can only dream of. Now, after delivering an unprecedented double maximum at the Saudi Arabia Masters earlier this month, O’Sullivan turns his sights toward the Wuhan Open, where fans are already whispering about the possibility of yet another 147.
A Legend Who Refuses to Fade
The history books are filled with O’Sullivan’s name: the most World Championships in the modern era, more ranking titles than any other player, and a record-breaking tally of official 147 maximum breaks. Yet, it’s not just the statistics that define him—it’s the flair, the audacity, and the ability to make the impossible look effortless.
Just weeks ago in Riyadh, O’Sullivan shocked even himself by producing back-to-back maximums across two matches. Commentators described it as “snooker sorcery,” a feat that seemed to defy probability. In a sport where even one maximum in a tournament is celebrated, to notch two in the same event felt otherworldly.
“It’s like lightning striking twice in the same place,” quipped one rival, shaking his head in disbelief. “Only Ronnie could do that.”
Wuhan Awaits a Spark
The Wuhan Open, a relatively new addition to the calendar, has quickly become one of Asia’s most anticipated snooker festivals. Chinese fans, who already idolize stars like Ding Junhui and rising prodigy Si Jiahui, have embraced O’Sullivan as their adopted hero. Each time he steps into an arena in China, the applause is deafening, as though a rock star has just walked on stage.
Tournament organizers are billing his first-round appearance as the marquee attraction, with ticket sales spiking after confirmation that “The Rocket” would be competing. Social media chatter in China is filled with speculation: could O’Sullivan deliver another 147 under the Wuhan lights?
For many, it is not a question of if but when.
The Mindset of a Champion
O’Sullivan himself, though, has learned to temper expectations. Speaking before boarding his flight to China, he was philosophical about his recent achievements.
“The 147s in Saudi were special,” he admitted. “But snooker doesn’t work like that—you can’t just decide you’re going to make one. You need the right table conditions, you need to feel relaxed, and sometimes you just need a bit of luck.”
And yet, anyone who has followed O’Sullivan’s career knows that when he is relaxed, when he is enjoying the game, he is virtually unstoppable. That calm, almost detached demeanor has produced some of the most electrifying snooker ever seen.
“I’m not chasing records anymore,” he added with a smile. “But if another 147 comes along, I won’t say no.”
Rivals on Guard
Of course, the Wuhan Open is not simply a stage for O’Sullivan’s artistry. The tournament features a stacked field, with Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, and reigning world champion Luca Brecel all vying for glory.
Yet, even these giants of the game are wary when O’Sullivan is in form. Trump, who has faced O’Sullivan in countless finals, confessed that it is “almost impossible to plan” against him when he’s in a scoring mood.
“You can be 70 points up in a frame and still feel like you’re losing,” Trump admitted. “Because once Ronnie gets going, you just know he can clear up in no time.”
The Chinese Connection
One of the reasons O’Sullivan is so beloved in China is his willingness to embrace the culture. Over the years, he has spoken fondly of his visits, describing the hospitality as “second to none.” His friendships with Chinese players have also endeared him to the fans, who see him not just as a foreign star, but as part of the snooker family in Asia.
In Wuhan, he will likely face a homegrown opponent in the opening round. For that player, the match will be a dream come true—a chance to share the table with their idol. Yet it also carries a heavy weight: how do you compete against the man you grew up idolizing?
The 147 Factor
The very idea of chasing a 147 in the first round might seem fanciful, but with O’Sullivan, nothing is impossible. He has a knack for turning early matches—when other players are still shaking off the rust—into dazzling exhibitions.
Fans remember his 2014 UK Championship campaign, when he casually rattled in a maximum while seeming more focused on chatting with the referee. Or his lightning-fast 147 in 1997, which remains the quickest in history. For O’Sullivan, moments of history tend to arrive when least expected.
Could Wuhan be the site of his next masterpiece?
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the pursuit of another maximum, O’Sullivan’s presence in Wuhan underscores his continued global influence. While many of his contemporaries have slowed down, he is expanding his legacy, reaching new audiences, and keeping snooker firmly in the spotlight.
Younger players see him as both a rival and an inspiration. “He’s still the benchmark,” said Brecel. “If you can beat Ronnie, you know you’re playing well.”
For the sport itself, having O’Sullivan active on the tour is invaluable. His charisma draws in casual viewers, his unpredictability keeps fans guessing, and his genius ensures that every match is must-watch entertainment.
The Anticipation Builds
As the Wuhan Open’s opening day approaches, the buzz is palpable. Chinese media outlets are running features on O’Sullivan’s career highlights, ticket scalpers are charging eye-watering sums, and international broadcasters are preparing for record viewership numbers.
The atmosphere in the arena promises to be electric. Every pot, every positional shot, every flicker of a smile from O’Sullivan will be greeted with thunderous applause. Should he embark on a 147 attempt, the crowd will hold its collective breath, willing each ball into the pocket.
And if he succeeds? Wuhan will erupt, and the legend of “The Rocket” will gain yet another unforgettable chapter.
A Final Thought
Ronnie O’Sullivan has nothing left to prove. His legacy is secure, his records monumental, his artistry unparalleled. Yet he continues to play, continues to enthrall, and continues to make history. That is why fans cannot look away, why rivals continue to be awed, and why tournaments like the Wuhan Open become global events when he enters the draw.
As he walks into the bright lights of Wuhan’s grand arena, cue in hand, the question is not whether he will chase another 147. The question is whether the rest of us are ready to witness yet another moment of magic from the greatest snooker player the world has ever seen.
