“I just wanted to try my best because I didn’t know when I might be in another final again,” said Thepchaiya Un-Nooh after his stunning victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan in the World Open final held on March 22, 2026, in Yushan, China.
Un-Nooh won the match with a score of 10-7, marking a significant achievement in his career. This victory not only secured him his second ranking title but also showcased his remarkable skill with a maximum break of 147 during the final.
O’Sullivan, a seasoned player known for his exceptional talent, had a break of 124 in the final and managed to record three consecutive century breaks of 114, 116, and 136 throughout the match. Despite his strong performance, he was unable to maintain his lead against Un-Nooh.
Un-Nooh’s scoring included impressive breaks of 132 and 131 in addition to his 147, demonstrating his capability to compete at the highest level. At one point in the match, he won six frames in a row, turning the tide in his favor.
Reflecting on his achievement, Un-Nooh stated, “This has always been my dream, to lift the title against Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final.” This sentiment underscores the significance of the victory for the Thai player, who had previously been the runner-up in the 2019 World Open.
Un-Nooh’s prior experience in the 2019 final, where he lost to Judd Trump, likely fueled his determination in this match. His win now positions him among the elite in the sport, especially against a player of O’Sullivan’s caliber.
In recognition of his triumph, Un-Nooh received £175,000 in prize money, while O’Sullivan earned £75,000 for achieving the highest break of the tournament.
As the match concluded at the Yushan Sports Centre, Un-Nooh expressed his elation, saying, “This is my first time winning a major event and this is the biggest prize of my career.” His victory not only cements his place in snooker history but also sets the stage for future competitions.
With this win, Un-Nooh has demonstrated his potential to be a formidable contender in upcoming tournaments, and fans will be eager to see how he builds on this success.