DOTT CRAFTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MAXIMUM

Graeme Dott composed the second 147 break of his career during his Betfred World Championship qualifying clash with Pang Junxu in Sheffield.

The 2006 Crucible king made his perfect run in the sixth frame of a 6-1 win. Dott’s last 147 break came 23 years ago at the 1999 British Open.

The break puts him in line for a £10,000 maximum break bonus for the qualifying event. If it stands as the high break for the entire tournament, he will also receive an additional £15,000.

It is the 175th maximum break in snooker history and the fifth to be made at the World Championship Qualifiers.

Dott said: “It was fantastic. I don’t really make that many. Even in practice, I went through a spell when I first turned professional that I was making a lot when practising. I can’t remember the last time I had one though. It felt really good.

“It was actually nice just to get close. I know that sounds a bit silly, but I was just happy to get relatively close. Even if I got to one red and missed, at least I would have had a chance, because as I say I don’t get that many chances. When I potted the last red I was just trying not to bottle it, as everything was perfect.”