Maximum man Dott progresses in crucible qualifiers

Graeme Dott compiled the second maximum break of his career as he brushed aside Pang Junxu to advance to the final round of World Championship qualifying in Sheffield.

Dott's 147 arrived in the sixth frame of his 6-1 win over the young Chinese player and marked his first maximum since the 1999 British Open.

If the 44-year-old’s break remains unmatched for the duration of the event, he will pocket both a £10,000 (€12,000) maximum bonus and the £15,000 (€18,000) high break prize.

Dott said: "It was fantastic – I don’t really make that many. I went through a spell when I first turned professional that I was making a lot when practising, but I can’t remember the last time I had one.

"It was actually nice just to get close. Even I got to one red and missed, at least I would have had a chance. When I potted the last red I was just trying not to bottle it, as everything was perfect."

Dott, who won the world title in 2006 and is also a two-time losing finalist, will play Jamie Clarke next as he looks to secure his return to the Crucible for the first time since 2019.

Clarke, who reached the second round two years ago, thrashed former semi-finalist Gary Wilson 6-0, while Hossein Vafaei also whitewashed Simon Lichtenberg to move one win away from becoming the first Iranian to reach the Crucible.

Former finalists Ali Carter and Matthew Stevens will clash for a place back in the main draw after they overcame Gao Yang and Sam Craigie respectively.