Snooker has witnessed some extraordinary feats over the decades, from legendary comebacks to flawless breaks that leave audiences breathless. But what unfolded during the 2025 World Snooker Championship qualifiers has rewritten the record books and electrified the sport. Jackson Page, the 23-year-old Welsh starlet, etched his name into history by becoming the first player ever to complete two maximum 147 breaks in the same professional match. His opponent, Allan Taylor, could only marvel at the momentous display of precision, nerve, and artistry on the baize.
A Historic Night in Sheffield
The World Championship qualifiers are often tense, nervy affairs. For many players, itβs the difference between stepping onto the hallowed stage of the Crucible Theatre or watching the tournament from the sidelines. For Jackson Page, however, the qualifier against Allan Taylor became much more than a ticket to the main eventβit became the stage for one of the sportβs greatest-ever achievements.
Fans who packed into the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield sensed they were watching something special after Pageβs first maximum in the opening session. A crisp break, brimming with flawless cue ball control, saw him glide through reds and blacks before coolly dispatching the final colors. The crowd rose to its feet as he potted the black to seal the 147, marking his careerβs first on such a grand stage.
But nobody could have imagined what was still to come.
Lightning Strikes Twice
Later in the match, with the pressure still high and Taylor fighting valiantly, Page once again found himself in rhythm. Each shot grew in significance as spectators realized he was lining up for another maximum. As the final black dropped into the pocket for his second 147, the arena erupted into pandemonium. Gasps, cheers, and disbelief filled the air. Page, normally understated in demeanor, raised his cue to acknowledge the crowd, a rare smile crossing his face.
In snookerβs long and storied history, no playerβnot even icons like Ronnie OβSullivan, Stephen Hendry, or John Higginsβhad ever compiled two maximums in one match. Pageβs achievement, therefore, is unprecedented, cementing his name in the annals of the sport.
Reaction Across the Snooker World
The snooker community wasted no time reacting to the extraordinary news. Fellow professionals, pundits, and fans took to social media to hail Pageβs brilliance.
- Ronnie OβSullivan, who holds the record for the fastest 147, called it βan unbelievable achievementβsomething we may never see again.β
- Shaun Murphy labeled Pageβs performance as βsnooker perfection under pressure.β
- Even Allan Taylor, despite being on the receiving end, applauded his opponent, saying: βWhen someone plays like that, all you can do is tip your hat. It was an honor to share the table with him tonight.β
For Welsh snooker, the accomplishment carries special resonance. Jackson Page follows in the footsteps of Mark Williams, the three-time world champion and a hero in Wales. To many, Pageβs feat signals the dawn of a new era for Welsh cue sports.
The Significance of a 147
A 147 break is the pinnacle of snookerβa perfect clearance requiring 15 reds with 15 blacks, followed by the six colors in sequence. It demands absolute concentration, impeccable positioning, and ice-cold nerves. Over the past 40 years, maximums have grown more common, but they remain iconic moments whenever they occur.
To achieve one in a high-stakes qualifier is impressive. To produce two in the same match is almost unimaginable. Statistically, the odds are astronomical. Pageβs feat not only demonstrates his technical prowess but also his mental toughness to replicate perfection under the weight of expectation.
Pageβs Journey to the Spotlight
Born in Ebbw Vale, Wales, Jackson Page has been touted as a rising star since his teenage years. A former World Under-18 champion, he turned professional in 2016 and gradually climbed the ranks with steady performances. His breakthrough came during the 2022 World Championship, where he reached the last 16, showcasing flair and composure well beyond his years.
Yet, until now, Page had often been overshadowed by more established names. This achievement changes everything. With his double 147s, he has catapulted himself into the conversation not just as a promising young talent, but as a genuine contender capable of producing greatness on the biggest stages.
What This Means for the World Championship
For the World Snooker Championship itself, Pageβs feat injects excitement and narrative heading into the Crucible. His performance has made him a player to watch, with fans eager to see whether his momentum can carry into the main draw.
The Crucible has seen its fair share of dramaβfrom OβSullivanβs lightning 147 in 1997 to Hendryβs dominance in the β90sβbut never before has a qualifier provided such an astonishing headline. If Page can channel the confidence and rhythm from his historic qualifier, he may well be poised for a deep run.
A Moment That Will Be Remembered Forever
In the days and weeks to come, the replays of Pageβs two maximums will be replayed endlessly on highlight reels, etched into the sportβs collective memory. Commentators and fans alike will speak of βthat night in Sheffieldβ when a young Welshman dared to do what no one had ever done before.
For Jackson Page, it is a career-defining moment. For snooker, it is history. Achievements like this transcend the sport, inspiring a new generation of players and reminding fans why they fell in love with the game in the first place.
As the applause died down and the final balls were cleared, one thing was clear: Jackson Page had not just won a snooker matchβhe had carved his name into immortality.
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Do you want me to also include a frame-by-frame account of how Page built each of his 147s, shot by shot, for extra detail?
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