Andy Hicks compiled a 147 break in his 6-2 victory over Daniel Wells to make it two maximums in a week following Tom Ford’s knock last Friday.
Hicks, a former semi-finalist at all three of the most prestigious events on the Main Tour, the Worlds, UK and Masters, fired in the break in typically cool fashion to claim the win over his Welsh opponent and advance to the penultimate round of the UK Championship qualifiers.
In doing so, it becomes the 93rd 147 made in professional competition, resulting in some speculating that century may actually come this season.
That’s still a bit of a way away but the increasing tally, and the increasing regularity at which the perfect frame is now being made, will lead some to believe that it is becoming a less special feat.
On the contrary, it may be achieved more frequently but a lot of that has to do with the strength and depth on the circuit in the modern era.
Hicks has been a stalwart of the tour for more than 20 years, paid his dues, been labelled as a nearly man but continued to battle away as the game has become more global – and today’s effort signifies both the quality he still possesses on any given day and the quality of the circuit all the way down the ranking list.
Elsewhere, Indian world billiards champion Pankaj Advani upset the people’s champion Jimmy White in a thriller 6-5 and could be about to do the same to another popular old campaigner with Steve Davis his third round opposition tomorrow in Sheffield.
Luca Brecel edged ever closer to an appearance at the venue stage of a major for the second time in 2012 with a 6-4 triumph over Peter Lines while Chinese quartet Tian Pengfei, Chen Zhe, Cao Yupeng and Yu Delu all joined him.
James Wattana, himself no stranger to completing a 147 break, came from behind to beat Jamie O’Neill 6-4 and his countryman Thepchaiya Un-Nooh emulated his success with a 6-1 hammering of Barry Pinches.
Englishmen Jimmy Robertson, Adam Duffy and Ian Burns beat Michael Wasley, Fraser Patrick and Kurt Maflin respectively while Scotland’s Anthony McGill overcame Zhang Anda 6-2.
Mike Dunn’s torrid calendar year continued with a 6-4 defeat to rookie Craig Steadman, who won the last four frames to seal the win.
Dunn has not won a match since February – yes, that’s right, February!
At the time of writing (23.40), Rod Lawler and Dechawat Poomjaeng were level at 4-4 while Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon and Alfie Burden were in a decider.
The full draw and list of results can be viewed by clicking here.
