Snooker Shoot Out 2023: Shaun Murphy creates history with magical 147 maximum break

Shaun Murphy created Snooker Shoot Out history when he produced a magical 147, the first maximum to be recorded in the competition.

The Magician treated the fans to a mesmerising display at the Swansea Arena in a first-round victory over Hungarian teenager Bulcsu Revesz, clearing the table with well over two minutes in the match still remaining.

Revesz made the cardinal sin of hitting the blue from his break, and it proved to be his only shot of the match.

Murphy started confidently and began to put away red-black combinations in rapid fashion, indicating the feat could be on. As he edged closer, and perhaps to help ease his nerves, with the break at 81, Murphy turned to the crowd and said: “Is anyone getting nervous?”

He took a moment to compose himself before getting back among the balls and sweeping them aside with relative ease.

“And he’s done it,” Eurosport commentator Tim Peters said.

“A phenomenal achievement, a fantastic break in these circumstances,” said Fergal O’Brien.

“Absolutely amazing,” beamed Jimmy White.

A thrilled Murphy celebrated with a buoyant crowd before joining the Eurosport experts.

“Goodness me,” began Murphy. “My heart is going, that was great fun.

“I came here this week – I love the event – and I said I wanted to try to make a century. It’s a great thrill, but I can’t believe what’s just happened.”

Mark Allen’s 142 had previously held the record for the competition’s highest break.

“It was just incredible, a real buzz,” continued Murphy.

“You get really excited out there playing in this event, win or lose – and I’ve done both out there; I’ve played really nicely and really badly.

“I’m just delighted and the fans out here have seen something special. It was a pleasure to play for them – great fun.”