Snooker: John Higgins hits 147 to become oldest player to hit a maximum break at top level

John Higgins became the oldest player to make an official 147 last week with the 13th maximum of his career.

At the age of 48-years and nine months, Higgins surpassed 'Class of 92' rival Mark Williams to break the age record, while also closing in on seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan's record of 15 maximum breaks.

The Wizard of Wishaw made his 147 at the BetVictor Championship League Invitational on Saturday, in the opening frame of his group five semi-final win over Fan Zhengyi.

Higgins won the group and now progresses to the Winners' Group, which is contested in March.

A thrilled Higgins, who will compete in the Welsh Open this week, said: “I felt good throughout the whole break and fancied getting it from the start.

"It’s always a good feeling when that happens.

“I’ve done well in this event before and it’s been good practice to get ready for the Welsh Open and hopefully the Players Championship.

"I played some good stuff earlier on in the week but felt like I was beginning to wilt in the last day.

"It was a long six days, so I’m delighted to come through this group."

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