Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen etched his name into Crucible history with a flawless 147 break—but it wasn’t enough to stop England’s Chris Wakelin from sealing a commanding 13-6 victory in their World Championship second-round clash.
Allen, trailing 10-2 after losing all four frames in Friday morning’s session, returned from the interval with renewed focus. He immediately delivered snooker’s highest possible break—a stunning 147—becoming only the 11th player to achieve the feat at the Crucible. It was the 15th maximum in the venue’s storied tournament history and the first since Mark Selby’s in the 2023 final.
Despite the brilliance, Allen’s efforts couldn’t halt Wakelin’s momentum. The world number 20, who ousted former world champion Neil Robertson in the first round, held firm to close out the match and book his place in the quarter-finals.
“It’s magic,” said the 33-year-old Wakelin. “I’ve got a lot of confidence in my game and have played some really good stuff. I’m not getting ahead of myself—there are still some fantastic players left in this tournament, and I count myself among them.”
Reflecting on his journey, Wakelin added: “The first time I came here 15 years ago, I watched Mark win a first or second-round match. To now beat him—one of the all-time greats—it’s surreal.”
The maximum break was Allen’s second 147 of the season, having made one during his third-round match against Ben Mertens at the British Open, and the fifth of his career.
The achievement is set to earn 39-year-old Allen £45,000 and was the 217th maximum in snooker’s history. The cash bonus will be split if another player makes a 147 in the tournament.
Despite that special moment, Allen was downbeat at his elimination.
“I don’t just come here to make 147s,” said Allen. “I would rather have made lots of 30s and still been in the event. I always come here to become world champion so anything less will always be disappointing.
“I made a 147 at the Crucible and many people would be happy, but it [losing in round two] is a million miles away from where I want to be.”
Allen had a chance for a second maximum in frame 18, only to miss after potting 11 reds and 10 blacks.
If he had made two 147s, he would have collected an extra £147,000, which is on offer for any player to achieve that in the World Championship, Masters, UK Championship and Saudi Masters.
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, speaking on BBC TV, called the maximum clearance “absolutely phenomenal” and added: “What a performance. Unbelievable. Incredible from Mark Allen.
“He was 10-2 behind and he’s not scored a point for three frames, comes out after the interval and he makes a 147.”
