Welsh Open 2024: Gary Wilson makes maximum 147 break in semi-final against John Higgins

Gary Wilson made a blistering start to his Welsh Open semi-final against John Higgins, backing up a century in the first frame with a 147 in the second.

After taking 13 reds and 13 blacks in the opener, there was a chance of a 147 but he missed the 14th red when it wriggled in the jaws of the left middle and stayed out.

The 104 was a fine start to the semi-final, but things got better for Wilson in the next frame.

He got going with an excellent red and nice flick to get on the black; after a superb split of the pack, thoughts shifted to a maximum.

Joe Johnson on Eurosport commentary said the focus needed to be on securing the frame, but from that moment on thoughts shifted to the possibility of a 10th 147 of the 2023/24 season.

The crowd in Llandudno urged Wilson on, and after knocking in the black the Scottish Open champion was given a huge ovation.

Summing things up in the Eurosport commentary box, Phil Studd said: “This is amazing.

“104 in the first frame, he missed the 14th red. And now the maximum.

“Absolutely spectacular from Gary Wilson, what a start to the evening.

“The 199th 147 break in the history of professional snooker.

“The crowd on their feet, brilliant Gary Wilson.”

Jimmy White was impressed with Wilson’s cue-ball control.

“Absolutely amazing,” White said. “Snooker players strive for perfection and that break was absolute perfection. He was never the wrong side of the ball once.

“He was on every ball perfect.”