Summary
There has been an increase in maximum breaks, known as 147s, in professional snooker. Ronnie O'Sullivan and other players have achieved many of these high-scoring feats in recent competitions. Snooker players now commonly aim for these achievements due to the rewards and recognition involved.
Key Facts
- A 147 in snooker, known as a maximum break, involves potting 15 reds followed by blacks and all the colors in order.
- Ronnie O'Sullivan has made 17 maximum breaks in his career, with two happening in one match this season.
- In 2025, there have been 25 maximum breaks on the professional snooker tour so far, surpassing the previous record of 14.
- Chang Bingyu recently achieved a 147 in a UK Championship qualifier game.
- Shaun Murphy and Aaron Hill are among several players who have recorded two maximums each in 2025.
- The increase in maximum breaks is partly due to high incentives and players' increased focus on achieving this milestone.
- Snooker legends like Alex Higgins never achieved a maximum break while playing professionally.
