Snooker star Jackson Page potted two maximum breaks in his history-making World Championship qualifier against Allan Taylor. The 23-year-old had never hit a 147 in his career before taking to the baize on Monday.
It is the first time that a snooker player has potted two maximum breaks in the same match at any tournament on record. Page will bank a £147,000 prize for hitting two maximum breaks in snooker’s major championships. That could rise to £172k with the £10k bonus for a 147 in World Championship qualifiers and a potential £15k bonus if his two breaks ends up being the highest in the entire tournament. He is guaranteed to share at least a portion of the latter fee.
Page’s first maximum break came in the eighth frame of the best-of-19 match. In a commanding performance, he led 10-2 against Taylor and is now on course to to make the final qualifying round should he complete the job.
If he qualifies for the first round at The Crucible, it would be the third time that Page has played in the World Championship. He was thumped 10-1 by Ronnie O’Sullivan in the first round last year. A victory over Barry Hawkins marked his best performance in 2022, although he was beaten in the last-16 by fellow Welshman and mentor Mark Williams.
Victory over Taylor would land Page a final qualifying match against Joe O’Connor or Iulian Boiko.
Only 14 maximum breaks have been made in the World Championship, excluding qualifying. Last year, Thai player Noppon Saengkham claimed the £15k prize for the highest break at the tournament after being the only player to pot a 147. He did so during qualifying. Page’s two 147s are the 14th in the 2024-25 season, making it the most prolific season in history for maximum breaks.
The 16 top-ranked snooker players have already booked their place in the World Championship, which takes place in Sheffield between April 19 and May 5. Another 16 players are hoping to make the sport’s biggest stage through qualifying, with Page one of those in the mix.
As is tradition, reigning champion Kyren Wilson will play on the first day. Each seeded player is drawn against a rival who has made their way through qualifying.
