The 147 break is often called the height of achievement in snooker, representing the highest possible score in a single frame without fouls. An even more miraculous feat can also be achieved: the 155 break. However, this feat only occurs under specific conditions and requires exceptional skills. This article examines the remarkable 155 breaks by examining its achievers, rules that make it feasible and its significance to snooker as a sport.
What is a 155 Break in Snooker?
In snooker, one hundred fifty-five (155) breaks is the maximum points a player can win for just one frame by legally potting all available balls without foul play. To understand this, we need to look at how snooker scoring works. Usually, the maximum break is 147 points. This happens after fifteen reds are each followed by a black, and all colours are in sequential order.
Only under exceptional conditions do 155 breaks occur. First, it must be preceded by an opponent's foul, which leaves the player snookered. In such cases, the referee may award a free ball. The referee may award a free ball to correct the situation caused by the opponent's opponent's foul. The free ball nominated will then go down as an extra red, which could be put, put, after which standard black will follow, thus giving rise to an ordinary 147-break plus eight points that equal one hundred fifty-five (155).
A 155 break is very rarely achieved. It can only be done when certain conditions are met. The opponent's foul and the snookered position must align perfectly for this to happen. This makes a 155 break one of the most extraordinary things you can do in snooker because of how infrequently it occurs and how difficult it is to achieve.
A 155 break involves taking advantage of a free ball to score more than the standard maximum of 147 points. It shows that a player has talent and knows how to capitalise on unique situations during games.
Thepchaiya Un-Nooh: The First Recorded 155 Break
Thai professional snooker player Thepchaiya Un-Nooh made a historic 155-break. This amazing feat happened during a practice match held in Darlington, England, in twenty-one (2021) against Hossein Vafaei, who also plays professionally.
Un-Nooh's 155-point break is unique because it was caught on camera. Therefore, it becomes the first recordable event whereby someone reaches one hundred fifty-five points. He hit through freeball, going behind black before completing it with an average number of remaining balls totalling exactly one hundred forty-seven, which gives rise to a total sum equal to one hundred fifty-five (155).
Un-Nooh took full advantage due to his renowned fast-playing style. His quick thinking helped him complete the break perfectly without any hitch whatsoever, signifying a constant desire for victory manifested even more vividly through his face glowing with delight throughout replay coverage aired nationwide. This clip went viral and was shared widely within the snooker community.
Before that time, a 155 break had never been filmed. Jamie Cope and Mark Allen also have the same record, but these are not recorded. Un-Nooh's break is different because we can watch it on video, which makes it a documented part of snooker history.
The break, 155, by Un-Nooh showcases his tremendous talent and rare combination for such an achievement. It stands as one of the most remarkable performances in the snooker world. Moreover, video evidence shows how much he belongs to snooker history and inspires fans.
Jamie Cope: A Witnessed but Undocumented 155 Break
Jamie Cope achieved a 155-break during practice in 2006; however, it was not caught on camera; it was only witnessed by those who were there at the time . Cope's 155-break is one of the unrecorded but impressive breaks in snooker history with evidence.
In this practice session, Cope took advantage of the free ball rule; hence, his opponent fouled, leaving him snookered. He nominated a colour as an extra red and potted it, followed by black. After that, he cleared up all other colours, making 147 perfect breaks for the third time since his career began. By doing so, he collected 155 points, enhancing his skill and showing an exceptional opportunity created by the foul committed.
Despite the lack of video footage documenting Cope's achievement, its recognition within the snooker community is undoubted. The sequence needed a high level of expertise to execute such complexity, as displayed in his take on this issue. Such tricks must involve quick thinking and strategic play rather than technical proficiency.
Cope's reputation as an excellent player owes much to his 155 break. Despite some downs in his career, this is a notable achievement. This underpins the ability of snooker to offer outstanding accomplishments even outside official tournaments and televised matches .
In brief, Jamie Cope's 155-point break reminds us of his unparalleled skill and the one-of-a-kind circumstances that made such a score possible. Thus, his witnessed but unrecorded break still stands as an essential part of snooker legend, inspiring players and fans alike.
Another Practice Session Legend: Mark Allen
Mark Allen is another snooker professional from Northern Ireland who joined the club of players with 155 breaks. This happened during a practice session in 2020 and was one of the fantastic moments that cannot be forgotten. Even though there is no video footage of that break, the record of it has been well preserved and thus generally recognized by those who know about snooker.
As with other 155s, Allen's break depended on the free ball rule. Snookered by his opponent because of committing a foul, he then nominated another colour as an extra red. He potted it, followed by black, before clearing all tables with a standard 147 break. These series, amounting to 155 points, demonstrate how cleverly and skillfully Allen used to play .
Despite having no recorded video clip for this period when it happened, Mark Allen's 155 break is hugely significant. It shows the accuracy and quickness required to capitalise on rare opportunities. Additionally, this accomplishment strengthens his position as one of snooker's best players ever. This break adds to his numerous other accolades due to outstanding performances in major competitions .
The fact that fans and fellow players celebrate Mark Allen's 155 break makes it clear that players can achieve exceptional things outside official matches, even at informal levels. His success represents how bizarre yet unpredictable snooker could get where extraordinary skills can lead to unexpected outcomes.
Mark Allen's 155 breakthroughs during practice are evidence of his talent and tactical understanding. However, he was not captured on any videotape but acknowledged by many people within snooker circles, reinforcing his legacy among the greats in the game .
The Legend Of Alex Higgins
Alex Higgins, known as "The Hurricane," was one of snooker's most glamorous and controversial figures. He is also believed to have had a 155 break. The date or venue of this is still being determined, but some sources and stories suggest that Higgins made this rare feat during an exhibition game.
Higgins was a crowd-pleaser with his fast and aggressive playing style. Making rapid shots on the table and being unpredictable in his moves are among the things that stamped him as a legend in the sport. The story of his 155 break contributes to his larger-than-life personality. There may be no video evidence or exact documentation of the event, but many people within the snooker fraternity believe it occurred. His colleagues and fans still remember it, enhancing the mystery surrounding Higgins' career .
If he had made a 155 break, it would have been under similar rules as other 155 breaks. However, an opponent foul left Higgins snookered, meaning he could call for a free ball, which he potted before clearing all tables using the standard 147 break. This achievement perfectly suits Higgins' reputation for extraordinary shots in less formal settings like exhibitions.
Even without concrete evidence, Higgins' 155 break remains part of snooker folklore. It emphasises his incredible skill and the unique circumstances required for so few points to be scored at once, like all athletes in their careers celebrate these kinds of scores as they mean hard work throughout their lives ).
There may never be any concrete proof for Alex Higgins' 155 break, but it is a story that justifies his legendary status in snooker. His talent, charisma and the tales of his extraordinary achievements continue to inspire and captivate snooker fans worldwide.
The Rules and Conditions for a 155 Break
A 155 break-in snooker is rare and can only occur under specific conditions. Here are the rules and conditions that make this feat possible:
- Opponent's Foul: To begin with, the opponent's foul must be committed to set off a 155 break. This indicates the player should be snookered from hitting the next ball straightaway. The resultant effect of this foul is that a player might use the free ball rule.
- Free Ball: Afterwards, referees provide free balls as a result of such fouls. With this in mind, any red ball can be nominated by a player as a free ball. In reality, such free balls are considered extra red balls. When potted by the player, this nominated freeball gains one point; then, he hits black for another seven points. (This stage acts as a foundation for achieving 155 breaks).
- Normal 147 Break: Subsequently, after the Free Ball and Black, the player proceeds to achieve clearances done traditionally by getting maximum points, i.e. 147 points, through potting the remaining fifteen reds, each accompanied by black and then clearing yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, and black colours consecutively, thus requiring excellent skills plus the precision on this part of the break.
- Total Points Calculation: The initial free ball and black add up to eight points, giving rise to a total score of one hundred forty-seven points achieved through the traditional maximum break. Subsequent events sum up to one hundred fifty-five points. Note that these developments demonstrate technical skill and strategic play because the player can use the offender's mistake in various ways.
A 155 break can only occur when an opponent commits a foul, there is a free ball, and the player makes an impeccable 147 break. This rare and remarkable feat showcases the highest level of skill in snooker and remains one of the sport's most impressive achievements .
The Significance of the 155 Break
This break is significant because it is considered snooker's highest possible single-frame score. It exceeds the traditional maximum break of 147 points. A player must have exceptional skill and specific conditions to achieve a 155 break, making it an extraordinary accomplishment.
Firstly, a 155-break reveals a player's technical skills and strategic thinking. After an opponent fouls, there have to be opportunities for players to take advantage of free balls by nominating any red balls. After this, he pots a nominated free ball plus black, then clears other colours using regular 147 breaks. The sequence calls for precision, concentration and the ability to take advantage of opponents' mistakes, showcasing how difficult this sort of play typically appears .
Besides, what makes the 155 break rare underlines its importance. In fact, only a handful of players have made it to this level like Poomjaeng, and fewer are recorded while doing that. For example, there is a video of only one person's 155 snooker break—Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, which is quite historical in this game. This indicates that this feat is exceptional and limited since no records exist of the other 155 breaks by Mark Allen or Jamie Cope .
The 155 break also epitomises the potential for greatness within snooker outside official competitions. These moments of genius can happen anytime during practice sessions and exhibition matches, where such breaks have been witnessed before. This unpredictability and the prospect of witnessing such a rare occurrence add thrill to the game .
To sum up, the 155 break significantly represents the highest excellence and chance in snooker. It shows that one can do something exceptional and different from everyone else while participating in it, making history about this great sport. The rarity, along with how difficult it is to achieve this milestone, make it one of the greatest achievements and most talked-about feats throughout snooker.
Final Verdict
It takes exceptional skills and uncommon conditions to score a 155 break in snooker. Beginning from Thepchaiya Un-Nooh's record-breaking shot to Alex Higgins' legendary claims, such an eventuality would enthral every fan of billiards because it rarely occurs globally. As long as more activities continue to develop, it will still remain a symbol for ultimate recognition/achievement/at all times, representing the peak existence of snooker.
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Jonathan Ashby
Jonathan Ashby, at 35, boasts a deep well of knowledge about the world of snooker. A specialist with a passion for the game's history, techniques, and players, he provides invaluable insights to both novices and seasoned enthusiasts. Through his articles, Jonathan aims to share the rich tapestry and nuances of this beloved cue sport.
