Thepchaiya Un-Nooh claims World Open title with comeback victory
Thepchaiya Un-Nooh claimed the World Open title this afternoon with a remarkable 10-7 triumph over Ronnie O’Sullivan, producing one of snooker’s most dramatic comebacks after trailing 4-0 in the early stages, reports BritPanorama.
The 40-year-old Thai player sealed victory in spectacular fashion, compiling a maximum 147 break in the penultimate frame before closing out the match with a 131 clearance.
This win marks only Un-Nooh’s second ranking event success, having previously won the one-frame Shoot Out format. The final at Yushan Sports Centre produced seven centuries across 17 frames, making it one of the highest-scoring championship deciders in the sport’s history.
O’Sullivan, competing in his 66th ranking final, saw his pursuit of a record-extending 42nd title end in defeat despite his blistering start. The seven-time world champion’s composure visibly cracked during the seventh frame when a straightforward pot on the green rattled both sides of the pocket before spinning out.
O’Sullivan struck the table forcefully as he returned to his seat, his frustration evident to everyone watching in the arena. “I don’t blame him,” remarked the TNT Sports commentator following the miss. Un-Nooh capitalised on the error to reduce the deficit to 4-3, and the Thai player’s momentum proved unstoppable as he rattled off five consecutive frames to seize a 5-4 advantage at the interval.
The Rocket had been seeking his first ranking trophy since capturing the World Grand Prix in January 2024, but his body language suggested the pressure was mounting as his commanding lead evaporated. When play resumed, Un-Nooh extended his advantage to 6-4 before O’Sullivan produced a stunning response that showcased his enduring brilliance.
The 50-year-old reeled off three successive centuries of 114, 102 and 136 to wrestle back control and edge ahead at 7-6. Yet the lead proved fleeting as Un-Nooh launched an extraordinary counter-attack in the closing stages. A break of 77 drew the Thai level before he cleared the table with a 132 to regain the advantage.
What followed was truly exceptional: Un-Nooh compiled a flawless 147 maximum to move within one frame of victory at 9-7. The seventh maximum of his career came under immense pressure, though he appeared nerveless throughout the clearance.
O’Sullivan’s defeat meant he fell short of becoming the first player in history to secure ranking event victories in his teens, twenties, thirties, forties and fifties. Former world number three Neal Foulds was effusive in his praise for Un-Nooh’s finishing burst, describing the final three centuries including the maximum as extraordinary.
“I just think it’s one of the best displays of break-building under pressure that I’ve ever seen in my life,” Foulds said on TNT Sports commentary. “It’s just incredible. If he’d have done that in any match it would have been out of this world, but to do it to win his first title is just something off the scale for me.”
Un-Nooh collected £175,000 for his triumph, whilst O’Sullivan took home £75,000 as runner-up.
In the ebb and flow typical of snooker’s finest moments, Un-Nooh’s performance stands as a testament to resilience and skill, an electrifying reminder that in this game, nothing is certain until the last ball is potted.
