The numbers
Thepchaiya Un-Nooh achieved a remarkable victory at the World Open final, defeating seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan with a score of 10-7. This win is particularly notable as Un-Nooh made a maximum break of 147 during the match, showcasing his exceptional skill on the table.
O’Sullivan, who is known for his prowess in the sport, recorded the highest break of the tournament at 153. Despite his impressive performance, he was unable to secure the title against Un-Nooh, who came back from an early deficit of 4-0 to clinch the championship.
Un-Nooh’s triumph at the World Open marks his first major title since winning the Shoot Out in 2019. “This is my first time winning a major event and this is the biggest prize of my career,” Un-Nooh expressed after the match, highlighting the significance of this victory for him.
In terms of financial rewards, Un-Nooh earned £175,000 for his win, while O’Sullivan received £75,000 for his highest break. The total prize money for the tournament was substantial, reflecting the growing popularity and competitiveness of snooker.
Looking ahead, the next World Open is scheduled to take place from March 16 to March 22, 2026, with a total prize pool of £825,000. The semi-finals will occur on March 21, and the final will conclude the event on March 22.
Notably, the tournament saw the withdrawal of prominent players Mark Selby and Barry Hawkins, which may have influenced the dynamics of the competition. Observers are keen to see how the upcoming tournaments will unfold and whether Un-Nooh can maintain his momentum.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, despite the loss, acknowledged Un-Nooh’s performance, stating, “I just want to say well done to Thepchaiya who played unbelievable snooker.” This sentiment reflects the respect among players in the sport, especially after such a closely contested final.
As the snooker season progresses, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these results will impact player rankings and future competitions. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any changes to tournament structures or player participation in upcoming events.