Mark Allen hits back-to-back 147s to leave snooker fans lauding 'mind-blowing' achievement
Fans took to social media in awe of Northern Ireland's Mark Allen after he managed the incredible feat in consecutive frames, despite a poor start to the season
Mark Allen wowed fans over the weekend after making two 147 breaks in back-to-back frames during an exhibition match. The Northern Irishman, nicknamed The Pistol for his speedy potting, also reportedly notched century breaks of 111, 116, 100 and 102 during the stunning contest.
Former UK champion Allen took to Alfreton Snooker Club, Derbyshire, on Saturday looking to put on a show – and he did just that. Consecutive maximum breaks have never been mustered in professional play, with Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins the only stars to have managed a 147 in back-to-back events.
Allen, whose 2024/25 season hasn’t started ideally, will be looking to take such scoring into the English and British Open – two ranking events he has never won.
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Allen reposted the full, time-lapsed videos of his incredible breaks on his X account, writing: "Excuse my positional play in the colours in max 2. Back to back maxis last night in Alfreton exhibition.”
The Pistol, amazingly apologising for his poor positional play en route to his second 147, clearly feels he can improve even further - but fans were quick to praise the 38-year-old, regardless. One fan commented: “Genuinely...what are the odds on that happening! Amazing!” Another added: “Absolutely amazing, Mark,” with a third simply stating: “Mind-blowing.”
A fourth fan is hopeful that The Pistol can put a run together in his next ranking tournament after the English Open – where he’ll face Long Zehuang to begin: “Brilliant snooker, Mark. Do that now in British Open and bring home the title!”
Excuse my positional play in the colours in max 2 ?????? back to back maxis last night in Alfreton exhibition…. pic.twitter.com/Hj8ecZs3nW
— Mark Allen (@pistol147) September 15, 2024
Admittedly, pockets on club tables similar to the one Allen made the maximums on are bigger than those that he would face on the Pro Tour, but nothing should be taken away from such an unprecedented achievement.
Allen came into the current campaign on the back of two ranking event wins last time out - tasting glory in both the Shoot Out and Players Championship - and having picked up his second Champion of Champions crown.
However, he has started the season slower, losing his opening clash against Pang Junxu at the Shanghai Masters before crashing out in the third round to Barry Hawkins at the Xi’an Grand Prix. His most recent pro appearance saw him thrashed 5-1 by world no.29 Xiao Guodong at the Saudi Arabia Masters.
