Ronnie O'Sullivan and Raymond van Barneveld surprisingly agree on 147 break vs nine-darter debate

Ronnie O'Sullivan and Raymond van Barneveld were surprisingly both in agreement on the age-old snooker vs darts debate.

The debate over what is harder to achieve between a 147 break or a nine-darter often splits opinions among avid sport fans.

Snooker legend O'Sullivan and darts icon Van Barneveld have nailed the feats in their respective worlds.

And in an interview, the pair of sporing greats agreed on what is harder to perform.

Speaking to the Englishman on Eurosport's 'Voice Notes', the Dutchman asked: "What is harder, a 147 break or a perfect nine-dart finish in darts?"

After Van Barneveld, who famously hit a nine-darter at the World Darts Championship, posed the question he added that he believed the 147 break was tougher to the surprise of O'Sullivan, who said in shock: "Really?! Really... that's interesting."

The recent Masters winner added: "The 147 must be harder, I think.

"I think what you guys do on a dartboard and the way you make it look so easy is just unbelievable, so total respect to you guys."

Ronnie O'Sullivan during the Masters final. Image: Getty

He continued: "Just being able to make a 147 or a nine-darter is a great achievement, but I tend to agree with you - maybe the 147 might be slightly harder, just because it's 36 shots and you've got only nine to do. We have to do four times the amount of work that you do."

A 147 break is the highest possible break in a single frame of snooker and is a rare feat.

A maximum break is when a player pots all 15 reds with 15 blacks for 120 points, followed by all six colours for an additional 27 points, which totals 147.

It's the darting equivalent to a nine-darter, with Van Barneveld claiming the snooker accomplishment is more difficult.