Ronnie O'Sullivan says he was given 'good hiding' by 'unbelievable' Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in World Open final
Published 22/03/2026 at 17:02 GMT
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Ronnie O'Sullivan's quest to win a record-extending 42nd ranking title came up short after an incredible display from Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in the World Open final. The Rocket was full of praise for Un-Nooh after he finished the final with three straight century breaks, including a 147. Un-Nooh said playing his "snooker idol" O'Sullivan in the final was "the best honour".
Watch in FULL as Un-Nooh makes 'genius' 147 in World Open final against O'Sullivan
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ronnie O’Sullivan said he was given a ”good hiding” after being beaten in a thrilling World Open final by Thepchaiya Un-Nooh - but The Rocket believes he is in a "much better place than two weeks ago".
Un-Nooh recovered from 4-0 down to triumph 10-7 and claim the second ranking title of his career.
O’Sullivan looked to have the momentum in the final when he reeled off three century breaks in a row to edge into a 7-6 lead.
But Un-Nooh hit back in stunning fashion as he made a 132 break, followed by a maximum 147, and then a 131 to win the title.
"I just want to say well done to Thepchaiya today - unbelievable snooker," said O’Sullivan, who was bidding to win his first ranking title since January 2024.
”I watched him last night against Judd [Trump in the semi-finals], and I was like, 'Wow.' Judd's obviously the No.1 in the world and he made him look second best. I was hoping that he didn't play like that again today but he did.
"He gave me a good hiding really. I was sitting in that chair for quite a long time. But well done to Thepchaiya, brilliant, amazing talent."
Un-Nooh, who was seeded 41st at the World Open in Yushan, China, had only previously won one ranking title in his career at the 2019 Shoot Out.
O'Sullivan was looking to win a record-extending 42nd ranking title but could only sit and watch as Un-Nooh got over the line in spectacular style.
"He deserved his victory," added O'Sullivan. "He played much better than me today. I watched his semi-final and he was strong. I couldn't go with that. It was far too good for me.
"Thepchaiya was flowing and had every shot in the book. I have to accept that is how it is. If I found that bit extra I could have made it tougher than him. I am in a much better place than I was even two weeks ago. I'm taking each day as it comes."
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‘What a story’ - Un-Nooh 'stuns' O’Sullivan to become World Open champion
Video credit: TNT Sports
Un-Nooh said he was "stunned" with how well he played to win from 7-6 down.
"It is like a double dream final now. This has always been my dream, to lift the title against Ronnie O'Sullivan in the final. For the rest of my life this is something I'm not going to forget," said the 40-year-old.
"I went to the practice room in the interval, spoke to myself and managed my emotions. After being sat on my chair watching Ronnie make three centuries, I told myself this is a great final and to enjoy it. I don't know how what happened after the interval came true.
"I can't believe it. I'm still stunned with my performance. How did I do that? Sometimes snooker is one-way traffic. To make a 147 in the final against Ronnie O'Sullivan in a final is a great honour.
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Un-Nooh recovers from misjudged red with a ‘barnstormer’ to sink the blue
Video credit: TNT Sports
"This is my first time winning a major event and this is the biggest prize of my career. It is a dream come true and a step forward. I want to make snooker come back to be as famous as it used to be in Thailand. Like the old times."
Un-Nooh added that playing his "snooker idol" O'Sullivan in the final was "the best honour".
"I feel amazing. It's been the best honour to play Ronnie O'Sullivan in the final. He was my snooker idol when I was younger and thank you to Ronnie as well for improving my game and for all his time.
"Honestly, I never thought I would be here and be the champion of this title. It was a really, really tough draw for me to play Judd in the semi-final and Ronnie in the final.
"I just tried my best to fight in this game. I don't know when I'm going to be in a final again."
Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the World Championship, live on TNT Sports.
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