UK Championship Snooker: A Historic Pursuit of the Maximum 147 Break
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A record-breaking surge in 147 breaks this season has ignited anticipation as the UK Championship approaches, with 23 maximum breaks now recorded across 48 editions of the tournament and its qualifying rounds through 2025. The prestigious event is poised to potentially witness another addition to its illustrious list of players who have achieved snooker’s perfect game.
The Dawn of the 147 at the UK Championship
The first-ever 147 break in the history of the UK Championship was compiled by Willie Thorne against Tommy Murphy in 1987, marking a pivotal moment in the tournament’s legacy. This initial feat opened the door for a select group of players to etch their names into snooker folklore with the ultimate achievement.
Moments of Composure and Triumph
Throughout the years, the UK Championship has provided the stage for some truly remarkable displays of skill and composure. In 2007, Ronnie O’Sullivan demonstrated incredible mental fortitude, crafting a 147 in the decisive frame of his semi-final clash against Mark Selby. The pressure was immense, yet O’Sullivan delivered a flawless performance.
Further cementing his place in snooker history, Neil Robertson became the only player to achieve a 147 in a UK Championship final, accomplishing the feat in the sixth frame of his 2015 victory over Liang Wenbo. This remains a unique and celebrated accomplishment within the tournament’s annals.
A Year of Multiple Maximums
The 2012 championship stands out as a particularly prolific year for maximum breaks, witnessing an unprecedented three 147s. Andy Hicks, Jack Lisowski, and John Higgins all achieved the perfect score, showcasing the exceptional talent on display.
The Current Season and Future Prospects
The current snooker season has already seen a record 16 147 breaks compiled, fueling speculation about whether the UK Championship will witness another addition to the exclusive club. The increasing frequency of maximums suggests a heightened level of skill and tactical awareness among players.
The Elite List of 147 Compilers
The following players have achieved a 147 break at the UK Championship (including qualifying matches):
- Willie Thorne (1987)
- Peter Ebdon (1992)
- Stephen Hendry (1995, 1999)
- Nick Dyson (2000)
- David Gray (2004)
- Ronnie O’Sullivan (2007, 2014)
- Ding Junhui (2008)
- Andy Hicks, Jack Lisowski, and John Higgins (all 2012)
- Mark Selby (2013)
- Neil Robertson (2015)
- Mark Allen (2016)
- Barry Hawkins (2019)
- Kyren Wilson, Stuart Bingham (both 2020)
- Gary Wilson (2021)
- Xu Si (2023)
- Zhang Anda (2024)
- Liam Pullen, Chang Bingyu (2025)
As the 2025 UK Championship draws near, the anticipation builds – will a new name be added to this prestigious list, further enriching the tournament’s remarkable history of 147 breaks?
