Higgins Makes 13th Maximum

John Higgins made the 13th maximum break of his career during the BetVictor Championship League Invitational on Saturday, leaving him just two short of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record of 15.

The Scot’s 147 came in the opening frame of his Group Five semi-final against Fan Zhengyi, which he went on to win 3-2. It’s Higgins’ first maximum since the 2021 British Open.

At the age of 48 and nine months, Higgins becomes the oldest player to make an official maximum, beating the record held by Mark Williams. It’s the ninth 147 of the season and 198th in snooker history.

Higgins went on to win the group, coming from 2-0 down to beat Ricky Walden 3-2 in the final to book a spot in March’s Winners’ Group.

“I played some good stuff earlier on in the week but felt like I was beginning to wilt in the last day,” admitted four-time World Champion Higgins. “It’s been a long six days, so I’m delighted to come through this group.

“I got very lucky at the end against Ricky. I got some big pieces of luck which is what you need in a best of five.”

Reflecting on the 147, Higgins said:  “I felt good throughout the whole break and fancied getting it from the start. It’s always a good feeling when that happens.

“I’ve done well in this event before and it’s been good practice to get ready for the Welsh Open and hopefully the Players Championship.”

The competition resumes with Group Six on Monday 26th February. Ali Carter will re-enter the competition, with Hossein Vafaei and Jack Lisowski entering the fray. They’ll be joined by runner-up Walden, Kyren Wilson, Fan Zhengyi and Barry Hawkins.