Mark Selby has become the first player ever to hit a 147 in a Crucible final. The incredible feat comes 40 years on from the first ever maximum in Sheffield, by Cliff Thorburn in 1983.
Selby potted the black to a standing ovation from everyone in attendance. Milking the moment, the World No2 started a Mexican wave around the arena with a wide grin on his face as commentators and former world champions John Parrott and Ken Doherty commended the incredible achievement.
Doherty said: “What a magic moment, what a magic championship we’ve had. It doesn’t get any better than this, the crowd are on their feet, we’re on our feet.”
Before Parrott added: “That was just absolutely fantastic, fabulous scenes. Little did we think when he started that break that he would be thinking about the maximum – it was just about winning the frame and closing the deficit.
“But we got an absolute treat there. What a brilliant break it was. Everybody in the crowd has been treated to a very special session this evening, very special indeed.”
Selby closed the gap on Belgian hotshot Luca Brecel to 7-9 with the historic break. The four-time world champion then went on to win the final frame of the evening to close the first day at 9-8 to Brecel. Selby’s maximum was the second of the tournament after Kyren Wilson, meaning the two players will split the prize for the highest break of the World Championship.
Selby had trailed 6-2 early on but bounced back this evening with breaks of 134 and a maximum break. The Englishman continued to win six of the final nine frames of the first day and is now in a brilliant position to capitalise heading down the home straight.
The remaining frames will be contested tomorrow live on BBC One with coverage starting at 1pm.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
