Forget the Hurricane, the Whirlwind, even Tornado Tony Drago. When it comes to top quality, speed snooker, no one is swifter than Ronnie O’Sullivan.

O’Sullivan holds the record for the fastest 147 that looks nigh on impossible to eclipse. His mesmerising maximum against Mick Price in the first round at the Crucible in 1997 was compiled in only five minutes and 20 seconds.

All 147’s require immense positional skill but O’Sullivan’s break was perfectly executed. His cue-ball control removed any indecision or need to ponder a 50/50 shot selection.

“I tried not to think about what I was doing, especially on the colours,” said O’Sullivan, who cleared the table with an insouciance that was difficult to digest given the financial carrot dangling in front of him.

He received £147,000 for the 147 and a further £18,000 for the highest break of the championship. The total payday worked out to be £165,000 at £515 per second.

In 2003, O’Sullivan became the only player to compile two 147s at the Crucible. He received £169,000 but this time the break lasted for six minutes, thirty seconds, reducing his pay rate to £433 per second.

To watch the break click here.

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