Max magic! Thepchaiya reigns

Thai star runs riot to stun ‘Rocket’ Ronnie

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Thai snooker star Thepchaiya Un-nooh celebrates with the trophy after his victory in the World Open. WST FACEBOOK PAGE

Thepchaiya Un-Nooh produced one of the most astonishing performances ever seen on a snooker stage, dismantling Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-7 on Sunday night in a showdown punctuated with nerve-wracking twists, breathtaking shot-making and an atmosphere that will be remembered for years.

The Thai star, famed for his lightning pace around the table, conjured three consecutive centuries in the final three frames, including an unbelievable 147 maximum break that sent the crowd into raptures in Yushan, China.

It was the kind of snooker feast for the ages that fans dream of but rarely witness — a player in full flow, against the sport's greatest champion, delivering perfection when it mattered most.

For Thepchaiya, now 40, this was more than just a victory. It was his second ranking crown, but by far the most significant. His first came at the Shoot Out in 2019, a format tailor-made for his quickfire style.