Ronnie O’Sullivan looks back on record-breaking 147 in 1997 | Eurosport Snooker

Ronnie O'Sullivan sat down with fellow Eurosport snooker expert Alan McManus and gave a fascinating and revealing insight into his thoughts as he watched back his record-breaking 147 break at the World Championship in 1997.
Watch the full video of Ronnie's 147 here: • HISTORIC Ronnie O'Sull...
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[@thadtuiol1717]

I like how Ronnie acknowledged the late Len Ganley's role in this thanks to how quick he was respotting the colours and not getting in his way.

[@serathaevistille995]

@Surb Singh I think people call him arrogant because he doesn't placate people. If he has something to say that might upset you, he'll say it. But I really don't think it's out of malice or hate or anything. I think it's just that he values trying to tell the truth, or sharing his opinion truthfully, over people's feelings.

[@antduke2361]

@@serathaevistille995 none of us know him, I guess you would have to ask his neighbours, old friends or some snooker players who have been around him to know what he is or is not. Harold Shipman was a lovely man to many people!. Some people think Boris Johnson is an honourable man. Just because someone does something we love or like like play snooker as the GOAT 🐐 then it doesn't mean nothing for the actual person. I actually prefer Mark Selby to Ronnie, but love watching Ronnie abs have watched every triple crown he played since beating Hendry in that great 1993 UK final as a 17 year old.

[@chrisjohnson4165]

It's especially nice considering what horrible jokes Ganley made about Ronnie's dad. Ronnie also head-butted Ganley's son for being rude to Ronnie's friend.

[@jamesadcock5235]

Refs seem to get in the way these days. Len was never in the way

[@chrisjohnson4165]

@@jamesadcock5235 They do. Some seem to have a big ego, sadly.

[@harrymelad942]

I have always said that the late Len Ganley played a major part in allowing the maxi to flow so quickly. For a big man, he glided round the table like a ballroom dancer with efficiency and without getting in Ronnie's way. Nice to hear Ronnie acknowledge him and to say, quite rightly, that modern referees could learn from his approach.

[@vesas5214]

Indeed. I timed how long it took for him to spot the black (from black going into the pocket to him calling the score) and it was about 4 seconds. Then I did the same with couple more recent maxies and the refs spotted the black in 6-8 seconds. That makes 30-60 seconds difference with 15 blacks.

[@RafaelMichaelJackson]

The only possible way someone could beat the record is by doing it in practice, and even then that's a stretch. But to do it at the World Championships... McManus is right, it's the coolest moment in snooker. Ronnie is the GOAT, he has created so many legendary moments, and he's the only reason why many people are snooker fans

[@ehsnils]

The only thing that could really beat this would be doing a 148 in a final in about the same time.

[@Serreski]

@@ehsnils or maybe a 150 even faster

[@benspiller455]

The ‘only’ reason…really?

[@benspiller455]

@@RafaelMichaelJackson so people didn’t watch snooker in the 80s?

[@NoName-eo2mv]

Think ppl have done it in practice, but that’s nowhere near the same as doing it in the world champs for 167k large

[@2HME]

It's not "look how great I was", it's "look how much better I could have done it". That's what a champion says, always striving to be better.

[@TheOmegaRiddler]

I think he was saying he would have never done it that fast these days because he wasn't thinking as much as he does now.

[@phjones01]

Superb observation mate, and so true.

[@JayTheRed8]

Watching a genius dissect his almost perfect maximum is simply astonishing. He is picking up on every little error, everything is observed with a fine tooth comb. This is why he will be regarded as the greatest snooker player to ever pick up a cue.

[@rossomaguire17]

This is the definition of an expert. The way he is breaking this down in real time is on another level.

[@snotenfoot]

Before McManus started to work for Eurosport I didn't think they got along but they seem to have developed a genuine friendship nice to see. Enjoyed this a lot

[@oldtimer7635]

I just love that Scottish accent. : )

[@ianwatkins6202]

I think McManus does have an opinion but he is such a nice guy and professional he keeps under control 😃

[@dannymccrae3070]

Big loss for the BBC. Love his insight. Apparently they prefer the most boring person on the planet Joe Perry

[@sonicrules666]

@@oldtimer7635 I love it when he says "afternoon" lol

[@Hughbens]

@@oldtimer7635 Council estate

[@karmapolice2097]

I came home from work, turned on my tv and he just started this frame and i never forgot it till this day, what a legend.

[@andyhodgson7692]

These days Ronnie is just quick instead of super quick. If he's still playing when he's aged 90 he'll still be twice as fast as Peter Ebdon 😂 .

[@sewerfr0g]

Only twice?

[@andyhodgson7692]

@@sewerfr0g 😂

[@dj90sclassical42]

I disagree, Ronnie is a lot slower and more accurate than in the past , he's a lot more confident now

[@andyhodgson7692]

@@dj90sclassical42 I said these days he's just quick instead of super quick, meaning that he isn't as fast as he used to be. So we agree that he is slower than he used to be.

[@dj90sclassical42]

@@andyhodgson7692 oops my bad, i read your comment too fast and oppose it before i know what you meant to say , i apologize

[@mell3109]

Fantastic interview, heard more technical things during this that I have ever heard

[@TheJay3k1]

And not forgetting Peter Ebdon took 6 minutes to make a break of 12. Ronnie is just a gift, cherish it whilst it lasts. On the other hand, Alan McManus is one of the best in the business as a snooker pundit now 👏🏻

[@morbidsnails1913]

Peter's still on his way home.

[@AlonsoRules]

Ebdon's 6 minute 12 break is one of the most unsporting moments in snooker history. It was a deliberate ploy to put Ronnie off his game.

[@MK-so2iz]

I've seen it so many times and it's insane how quick it is without even looking quick. with that time you're expect him to be running round the table, but to think he made a max in exactly 1 minute 27 seconds less than the length of this video is ridiculous. forever mind blowing

[@magichands135]

It takes more time to put the balls on the table haha. Great insight into his mind, never thought he'd be nervous.

[@saiajay6663]

*5 minutes!!

[@markt804]

I think this really could be the only sporting record that never gets broken. What a phenomenal achievement.

[@stevenfarrell4597]

Good point I think you could be right.

[@tennistank7606]

Nadals number of French opens?

[@james-tp5ui]

messi 91 goal in a year

[@christophergriffiths4564]

The ref deserves a lot of credit to tbf

[@Pintkonan]

@@james-tp5ui will definetly be broken. and im a huge messi fan.

[@kevinkeenan9075]

You can tell Ronnie loved that interview, great to hear what he was thinking back in 97

[@MrKh4Ot1k]

That's quite a difference compared to nowadays' interviews, where he's close to throw up 😂

[@jlatirl4316]

I remember he told David Vine that he fancied it from the second red.

[@jeffreyhampton9130]

Great to Ronnie so ‘at ease.’

[@rickagfoster]

Best interview ever, about the best break ever! Well done both of you!

[@sainsburmcmanus]

You can tell Ronnie really likes Alan and feels really comfortable being himself around him. He knows how the BBC and pundits like Doherty and Murphy feel about him so he plays up to it. For Eurosport and McManus we get the real Ronnie, absolute god of the sport.

[@tomwalsh6655]

I think Ken Doherty likes Ronnie a lot.

[@scarboroughhammer9684]

This 147 will never be beaten, once in a lifetime talent. People who have never played the game will not understand how hard it is to pot 5 balls in this time.. insane

[@chrisjohnson4165]

Yes, PLUS, towards the end he would have been thinking of the money as well.

[@williambremner9022]

Alan McManus is a top bloke - love him! What a cool interview.

[@iblacka1]

Alan is RIGHT that will never be beaten. Records are made to be broken but that one will stand forever!

[@jayb2705]

He's watching himself do the greatest break in the sports history and all he can do is criticise, it's scary how much better he is now. How many more world titles can he get past 7? Can he win one in his 50's?

[@MH-qy5hh]

He said he loves playing right now. As long as he feels like that, he should win more world titles. I really hope he does.

[@nuntana2]

He can win another couple and of course should be on 10 already. Much more complete player today. As long as he attains the enthusiasm.

[@mattcast44]

That's a great moment at the end there when Alan tells him that this break was the coolest thing he's ever seen. Very genuine and very true.

[@prisontv3299]

Ronnie is the GOAT

[@margarita8442]

was

[@Andy-Bodhi]

@@margarita8442 clown

[@Woody991]

@@margarita8442 You what?

[@_Bashar]

What a great interview, indeed Alan McManus is a great interviewer and technical commentator 👍🏼 a plus for EuroSport Snooker

[@oldtimer7635]

So interesting. It has never occurred to me after watching this amazing game nearly 30 years, that the referees positions or movements would have any significance. But now, when you think about it, Ronnie obviously has a very good point. : ) Live and learn.

[@Ironsmiler]

My 147 took me about 4 hours. Around my local golf course. Badum tish.

[@marvellis6762]

Ronnie been my idol since I was 10 and I just can't believe he's still making my jaw drop at 41..... complete and total pure snooker genius. Greatest of all time!!

[@Woody991]

Same here

[@marvellis6762]

10 to 41.... in age John.

[@Woody991]

@@marvellis6762 Yeh 👍🏽

[@TechDudeDave]

They will never give him a knighthood or he will never win sports personality of the year because he's not a creep or yes man & speaks his mind that's why he never gets no recognition because basically he says what he thinks & same old story people don't like it.

[@TicTac2]

@Laila Rouass who dislikes him exactly, other snooker pros and other sports stars?

[@fistoftulkas7335]

@Laila Rouass Do you take coffee during the day? Or some pills the doctors prescribed you? Everyone is on drugs.

[@Luton-Mick]

@Laila Rouass Did you have issues with his mother as she appears to be a very dominant and controlling woman that could explain a lot of Ronnie's demons?

[@clownworld5474]

We need more content like this. Great to see a players commentary on his own break

[@fistoftulkas7335]

Excellent technical breakdown, lots of interesting stuff from Ronnie about the game you usually don't hear, he's the best. He also makes an important point about the referee, you can only be as fast as the ref is quick at repositioning the colours and moving around the table.

[@johnc5188]

Len Ganley was a legend and had a big part to play in the speed of this 147. Ronnie is the reason I play. def the GOAT for my generation.

[@dennistaylor3009]

It's high time Ronnie received a knighthood for services to snooker 🎱.

[@butters_]

@Laila Rouass imagine hating and being jealous of Ronnie that much that you create a fake account of his ex wife. What a sad little worm you really are. Genuinely the most pathetic thing I’ve seen all year 🤡

[@virtualsnake1994]

@Laila Rouass speaking ill of your ex through youtube comms?

[@butters_]

@@virtualsnake1994 fake account Ronnie hating troll. They are on good terms still.

[@nurfmig1232]

@Laila Rouass get help mate

[@spanishpeaches2930]

@@virtualsnake1994Troll account, c'mon.

[@kevanbrown7620]

Thanks for giving this to us Ronnie. One of many great memories we have.

[@Anyonewhos]

I was there in the crowd on the other table. Me and my dad was sat like in the middle so we could see the table.. I didn't realise what was going on until the play stopped. I'll never forget Alan standing up and hiding behind the drop down with the ref. And what goes missed in the aftermath.. the lobby in the venue as we all walked out was just absolutely incredible. It's all we all spoke about and people was saying that'll never be beat. And as the game progresses.. you know it's impossible. It's just a stupid time for a 147. Ronnie did come out to the lobby area with John Higgins later that night and he got the most amazing reception. Didn't stay long but he was buzzing. He signed my program too and I've still got it. Because I was only 11 years old he asked me for my name and he signed it.. shook my dad's hand and said thanks for supporting him. My dad's name was Ron too. Just an amazing break. And as snooker progresses you can't see anyone of today who would come close to that time. It's going to be the longest standing record in all sport until the end of mankind. And the fact I saw it live with my father was amazing. I'm 37 now and been in love with Ronnie for years. When he retires the sport will truly retire with him. I personally can't watch any other player other than Ronnie. I get so bored and frustrated. I hate watching snooker unless Ronnie is playing. If you're a real snooker player then you understand.

[@scottjenkins4613]

I never noticed the chalk cube went under the table. He only used it on half of the previous shots anyway. And I never knew he was feeling the twitches, he always seemed so composed on the video. This was great to see and hear his commentary.

[@geoscho7388]

Alan Mcmanus is a gentlemen 👈

[@zainmotiwala1342]

What a legend

[@GWizz1994]

Nice to see how many top players/ex players admire Ronnie. Absolute beast

[@sinajvn4506]

I'm Iranian but how dare you call this man to retire Vafaei? This man made thousands if not millions of people to fall in love with snooker.

[@damienpalmer6235]

I always loved watching Alan play. Wow what a player. Really good too see the boys having a chat.

[@jonnywishbone9516]

I’ve watched this break dozens of times over the years and as time goes by it actually begins to look even more supernatural. It’s hard to conceive, for anybody who has clapped eyes on a snooker table, let alone played the game, that this was even possible. Ronnie himself says he couldn’t repeat the feat and he’s right. 99% of pros couldn’t manage a 147 half as quick with the balls lined up in practice. Not only will it never be beaten, but nobody will even bother to attempt it. What would be the point?!

[@stephenfrench2966]

I'm really pleased for ronnie. Struggled alot for a variety of reasons in his life but still doing his thing and has aged well like a fine wine. Hope he keeps at it, seems he was born to do it. A good bloke and a great player, arguably snoopers goat.

[@markwarren38]

I love the way ronnie paid respect to the legendary len ganely

[@TheRiderGuider]

Best ever. Still winning world titles and the competition is tougher than it has ever been too I reckon. In fact any of the top 16 in the world now could easy be world number 1 if this were 1985. Tables are tighter too now. Which just adds to the genius of Ronnie O'.

[@boahnation9932]

It really is one of the coolest things I've ever seen too!

[@dfstarborn]

The geatest player ofall time by a mile with 7 UK titles, 7 Masters to 6 World titles. over 70 tournaments won 38 ranking titles and he's about 25 victories ahead of his nearest rivals. The most centuries the most 147's the fastest 147 and what a safety player he is when he wants to be. Left hand right hand it doesn't matter with Ronnie a machine that produces silk time and time again.

[@leebeeskee]

Time to edit these figures!

[@robin_holden]

"There you are Al! Nice to see ya." Lovely interview.

[@louisgayle9211]

I never get tired of watching Ronnie's Awesome record breaking 147 it's just Brilliant I'm all so pleased Ronnie is now a 7 time world champion I always believed he'd Achieve it. It was just a matter of when & not if he was gonna equal Stephen Henry's 7 titles

[@VeteranHedonist]

Snooker won't be the same when Ronnie retires. The younger lads don't seem to have as much character and personality either. I can't believe the old boys from the 90s are still playing and winning tournaments. Ronnie, Higgins, Williams, Bingham etc. There's lots over 40 odd years old. Years ago players seemed to dip in quality after late 30s, early 40s. Although we had some players like Davis (Not Steve, even though he still played til late) , Mc Manus etc. The old boys still do great at the Crucible especially. It's great to see. It's like the class of 92 like Man UTD, but in snooker. Nobody will put bums on seats like the players I've mentioned above. Who wants to see safety frames that last an hour plus. No smiles and laughs. Everything is deadly serious. Anyway rant over. Don't think I've made much sense anyway. I've had the week from hell. My heads not thinking straight. 😕

[@rscoops3986]

All sport has lost its characters, because the sort of the people reaching the heights now are your 'Rafa Nadal'/'Jonny Wilkinson'/'Klitchko brothers' types. This sort of from infancy dedication to be the best (pure talent not enough) suits more introverted guys and also limits life experience, making them simply a bit boring. Starting around the 80/90's when money started being poured into sport (sky sports in the 90s). Tyson Fury is the exception that proves the rule atm, but boxing isn't purely about skill as box office draws need to have personality to make money and promote fights. Soz for the waffle, I just think it's an interesting topic.

[@alexc.5781]

He was in a good mood for that interview ^^

[@Mk_GoR]

Ronnie O’Sullivan ＝ King Of The Snooker

[@hugo2oguh2]

I remembered being there as a boy with my late grandfather and how much it meant to him as a lifelong snooker fan.The following day he didn't wake up from his sleep. I like to think if he were still here or had ever even existed in my life that he too would have been proud at how easily I've just demonstrated anyone can make up stories online that tug at the heart strings.

[@michaelgrant2132]

If there was a sporting moments hall of fame this would be an insta pick. Pure genius.

[@kimgallagher6254]

The only person who could come close to this is Ronnie himself, and I still don't think it is possible to beat this record. What a player !

[@SeanAtkinson-zx2zx]

Total agree with Ronnie about the difference in snooker ref's then and now. The modern group of ref's want to be part of the 'show' to be recognised and seen when Len and his fellow ref's were officiating they wanted to do their job without disturbing the player's or pissing them off in anyway unlike today...The GOOD OLD DAYS ❤

[@fad2679]

1. Ronnie is truly a snooker genius. Hearing him talk about all the little things like the ref's positioning making it easy for him, and critiquing his gameplay, and explaining his thought process is just gold. 2. Ronnie needs to have his hair style like he did back then, it looks cooler.

[@catlee8064]

He was right about the Ref though....helped him get it.

[@nahnahnahhhh]

it's taken 25 years for this content. well worth it, angles

[@STruscott22]

It amazes me that he is so critical of his own play. "Look at my legs, 16 secs a shot" etc... My guy, you are the GOAT. End of.

[@markpugh6808]

He doesn't agree but if he finishes Trump off tomorrow there will no longer be a debate about who is the GOAT because the only record Hendry has left will be gone he's also on to break the record of 16 centuries in the same World Championship currently held by Williams and Hendry with 16 two more from Ronnie tomorrow he will have 17 centuries in this tournament

[@STruscott22]

@@markpugh6808 Well he did it. It was never in doubt that Ronnie is the GOAT. Not to downplay Hendry in any way. He is the only other player in the conversation which speaks volumes.

[@spanishpeaches2930]

Angles has very smooth ears. Not too many sportsmen in the world have ever earned £167,000 for literally , 5mins&20secs work.

[@reds005]

One of the best sporting feats of all time

[@hullster9970]

3:02 screw back with running side in the original video of this is the best shot of this most amazing maximum. I love that shot, at speed with bottom right....

[@gabrielgibson4815]

Legendary......thank you Sir ....From Malaysia

[@v8724]

Ronnie saying " this was a nice shot" is hilarious... I don't know when and who could beat this record. GOAT

[@SpencerDonahue]

I love how its almost all just Ronnie piecing apart his old technique. His modesty is one of his greatest qualities.

[@aleehasan18]

Even this video is 6 minutes more and he took 5.20 🔥

[@Andy-Bodhi]

no

[@j2shoes288]

this is still my fav. 147.

[@aravindthippeswamy]

"The Method in the Madness was to just go as fast as you can so that you override the faults in the brain" - ROS

[@HabitsV2]

Lovely video :)

[@calvancandy8384]

Ronnie ripping his game to shreds while he gets the fastest 147 in history. 🐐

[@nashvillain171]

Could have split the screen so that the viewers can actually SEE what is being described! 🙄

[@richghost2897]

I watched this in real time while I was at work hehe. Still my favourite snooker moment ever

[@jlatirl4316]

Well you only took 5 minutes. Some take longer in the toilet 😅😅

[@TheGrandmasterMan]

I think Ronnie is overly self-critical. That break could be played so quickly as he blocked out doubts on shots, eliminated over-thinking and hit pure 'flow'....something you don't see very often. A career highlight for sure.

[@darrenjpeters]

Being self critical is how you improve. But you absolutely can over do it, and start mentally beating yourself up when you don't meet your own expectations. Something I can attest to from experience. Given Ronnie's struggles with mental health over the years, I'm pretty sure that's a trap he fell into as well at some stage.

[@paulhand3223]

best snooker player ever a true legend

[@tahirmahmood1150]

Legend no1 will ever beat that record.

[@Instasamps]

I love how Ken Doherty once said that it took Terry Griffiths longer to get out his chair, than Ronnie to do the maximum

[@davidhorn6008]

Ronnie is also an entertaining commentator!

[@masterofdisaster9194]

Bit if a mistake on the intro. Michael Johnson’s 1996 200m WR was broken by Usain Bolt 12 years later in 2008. I did think Johnson’s record would stand for 40 years when I saw it live. It could be that long before we see another snooker player get near to Ronnie’s 147 record

[@RobertOrgRobert]

Would have preferred more views of the table during this video !

[@Barberdon2022]

It will never be beaten Alan is bang on with that

[@ruairiose7335]

All records are eventually broken and so will this

[@Barberdon2022]

@@ruairiose7335 u obviously don’t know snooker then pal

[@bulletproofbasketball7739]

@@ruairiose7335 in all sports there are truly un-breakable records because of how sports change over time. In basketball there's a few records by Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain that will never be broken.

[@TheJoergenDK]

"Override the thoughts in the brain" - this is wisdom achieved from practising. What ever you practice. Ronnie O'Sullivan is the zen master of snooker. Because, as Jimi Hendrix sang in 'Spanish Castle Magic': "But it's all in your mind Don't think your time On bad things Just float your little mind around"

[@ryanturner9142]

When the video reaches 5:00 the rest of the time is 1:47 left which is either a coincidence or a good edit job

[@pnarimani6055]

illuminati confirmed

[@djscottfree2008]

Ronnie O'Sullivan (1997) 5:20 Ronnie O'Sullivan (2003) 6:30 Ronnie O'Sullivan (2001) 6:36 Ronnie O'Sullivan (2000) 6:40 Ronnie O'Sullivan (1999) 6:51 James Watanna (1992) 7:09 Fastest 147's

[@ugyenrigphel2438]

Mr Ronnie your smile tells me a lot ..

[@maninchair6648]

Legend.

[@sandro2778]

Greatest snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan.

[@Yaz-pn9py]

Legend!

[@MegaMilez]

Can Eurosport send me the footage so I can re-edit this so we can see his shots while he is talking about them?...

[@BlimGlim]

Split-screen would have made this perfect, but still very good video.

[@kevinharker1840]

Snooker usually bores the sh1t out of me, but when you see talent and brilliance like that you can't help but watch the game.

[@CastrolHondaSP2]

Different gravy. 👌😎

[@RAMBUK1989]

i remember so many times people arguing with me in the last 15 years that Stephen Hendry is better, i totally understand! he is the 2nd best player ever, slightly in front of John Higgins but even the most titles at Worlds is under threat, he literally has nothing better than Ronnie now. Maybe Safety play slightly, maybe how hard he is to beat in long matches? but for actual snooker, break building, shot making etc… we won’t see anyone like Ronnie ever again, let’s hope he doesn’t move onto the senior circuit for another 20 years lol

[@rdb7ster]

What does he mean about the bridge hand and cue being high?

[@SocietyIsCollapsing]

He means he had a long bridge (far more of the cue between his hand and the ball than you normally see), and probably just the position of the white relative to the object ball - generally when the white is a bit further up the table, so the white heads towards the bottom cushion as opposed to towards the middle of the table.

[@tilted801]

He’s so right the harder you try the harder it gets you just have to make it happen

[@trueredlucky954]

My aim is allways perfect when i dont think about aiming

[@tilted801]

@@trueredlucky954 yeah it’s a crazy game of the mind 😳just gotta let your technique take over

[@RZPPAA]

The woman at 5:22 is amazing!!!! Ace audience.

[@myz31]

This record is virtually impossible to beat, there are just too many factors that have to go right to do this and Ronnie pointed out a big one in the referee respotting the black. 147s take a stupid amount of skill to achieve by any professional players, most have never even made one in a competition setting. There have been less then 200 total 147s made in the entire history of snooker competition. For people who have played, watched and know snooker in general know this will never ever be beaten by anyone.

[@mr.perfect8805]

Not understanding what they are talking but listening to snooker God is another level of happiness

[@paulsmirk2046]

Probably when the whole world became a Ronnie fan, and for good reason!

[@90nadz]

The best!

[@Guvna07]

I wonder who caught his chalk and if they still have it?