Neil Robertson ensured the Crucible crowd enjoyed a moment to remember forever after sealing his first-ever World Championship maximum break on Monday.
The Australian held his nerve to make the 147th break in the 19th frame of his thrilling second round contest against Jack Lisowski on Monday in Sheffield. His stunning achievement ensured he moved within one frame of his opponent, and he has now quickly tied proceedings.
Robertson's moment of magic sees him net a share of the £15,000 high break prize with Graeme Dott, who made his maximum in qualifying. On top of that, he will earn £40,000 for notching it in the tournament's final stages.
As soon as he potted the black for the final time to reach 147, Robertson lifted his arms into the air and celebrated in front of the crowd, who were sent into raptures after what they had just witnessed.
It is only the 12th time someone has recorded a maximum at the Crucible, and he has joined some esteemed company - with the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and john Higgins having all achieved it in the past, with the first ever one coming back in 1983 thanks to Cliff Thorburn.
Robertson has been in top form this season, winning four times, but has found it tough against an inspired Lisowski. He had trailed his opponent 7-9 but that maximum break will give him plenty of confidence going forward.
With that break, Robertson takes his maximum haul to five, only behind six fellow snooker stars, including Ronnie O'Sullivan (15), John Higgins (12), Stephen Hendry (11), Stuart Bingham (9), and Ding Junhui, Shaun Murphy and Judd Trump who all have six.
Robertson, whose only world title to date came back in 2010, will now be looking to kick on and complete the job against Lisowski at the iconic Crucible in Sheffield.
And the Thunder from Down Under has seen his chances of glory boosted following the exit of reigning champion Mark Selby.
