23 years ago today 'Rocket Ronnie' was truly born as Ronnie O'Sullivan broke the record for the fastest ever maximum break, a record that still stands today.
O'Sullivan is well known for his quick play and specifically his ability to score quickly and on April 21st 1997 he really proved why during his first round match against Mick Price.
The Londoner scored the fourth maximum 147 break in the tournament's history and scored it in the fastest time ever, clocking in at 5 minutes and 20 seconds, averaging just 8.8 seconds per shot!
The number eight seed went on to win the match 10-6 but was knocked out in the next round by ninth seed Darren Morgan, with Ken Doherty eventually going on to win the title.
Advert
Despite his obvious brilliance, even at that time, it would take O'Sullivan another four years to win his first world title as he twice lost in the semi-final before finally beating John Higgins in the final in 2001.
The 44-year-old has gone on to become world champion four more times, with the last occasion coming in 2013, but has been knocked out in the first two rounds in the previous two years.
Back in March last year the five time world champion became the first ever snooker player to score 1000 tournament century breaks, when he scored 134 to win the Players' Championship against Neil Robertson last year.
Advert
On top of his other records the seven time UK Championship winner also has the most career maximums with 16, four clear of Stephen Hendry, who retired in 2012, but the Englishman should have a 17th.
In 2017 O'Sullivan chose to score 146, rather than 147, on purpose to protest against the low bonus for scoring a maximum.
Is Ronnie the greatest of all time? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Ronnie O'Sullivan, snooker
