Ronnie O’Sullivan hits a 147 break - then loses in China

Apr 3, 2018

The Rocket is knocked out of the China Open despite his 14th career maximum

Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Ronnie O’Sullivan scored his first maximum 147 at the 1997 World Championship

The “Rocket”, Ronnie O’Sullivan, wowed the crowds in Beijing after scoring a maximum 147 break - but he was soon brought back down to earth as he was knocked out in the first round of the China Open.

In his opening match against Elliot Slessor, O’Sullivan found himself 4-0 down at the interval but reduced the deficit with his 14th career maximum 147.

However, it was not enough as Slessor, 23, from Gateshead, went on to win the match 6-2 and secure his spot in the last 32 of the China Open.

According to the Daily Star O’Sullivan takes home a cheque for £42,000 after his 147 in China. Bet365 says the Rocket now accounts for more than “10% of all official 147s ever made - that’s more than Steve Davis, Ken Doherty, Mark Selby, Mark Williams, Judd Trump and Neil Robertson combined”.