How Many Televised 147 Breaks in Snooker History?
Snooker’s ultimate achievement, the 147 maximum break, has been made 214 times in professional tournaments. But how many of these perfect performances have been captured on television for fans worldwide to witness? While an exact number is difficult to determine due to incomplete records of early tournaments, we can explore the history of televised 147s and highlight some of the most memorable.
The First Televised 147
Steve Davis etched his name in snooker history by achieving the first televised 147 break in 1982 at the Lada Classic. This groundbreaking moment marked a turning point for the sport, showcasing its skill and precision to a broader audience.
The Crucible’s Televised 147s
The World Snooker Championship, held at the Crucible Theatre, has witnessed numerous maximum breaks. Cliff Thorburn’s 147 in 1983 was the first at the Crucible, and Mark Selby achieved the historic feat of making a 147 in a Crucible final in 2023. You can find a compilation of all Crucible 147s online.
How all the Crucible maximums looked after five minutes and eight seconds
Ronnie O’Sullivan: The 147 King
Ronnie O’Sullivan holds the record for the most 147 breaks with an impressive 15. His lightning-fast 147 in just five minutes and 20 seconds at the 1997 World Championship is widely considered the greatest of all time.
Televised 147s: A Growing Trend
As snooker’s popularity increased, so too did the number of televised tournaments and consequently, the number of televised 147s. The rise of digital platforms and streaming services has further expanded the reach of the sport, allowing more fans than ever to witness these remarkable achievements live.
The Untelevised 147: A Statistical Anomaly
David Gilbert achieved the 147th maximum break in history, ironically, during a non-televised Championship League event in 2019. This highlights the challenge in accurately quantifying the precise number of televised maximums.
A Chronological List of All 147 Breaks
A comprehensive list of all 214 officially recognized 147 breaks in chronological order, including the player, year, and tournament, can be found online. This valuable resource allows snooker enthusiasts to track the history of this remarkable feat. A breakdown of 147s by year demonstrates the increasing frequency of these maximum breaks.
Conclusion
While the exact number of televised 147 breaks remains elusive due to historical record-keeping practices, the available information paints a vivid picture of the evolution of this rare accomplishment in snooker. From Steve Davis’s pioneering 147 to Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record-breaking performances, televised maximum breaks have captivated audiences and cemented snooker’s status as a sport of skill, precision, and drama. As snooker continues to grow in popularity, we can expect to see even more televised 147s in the future.
