LEICESTER — The 2023/24 World Snooker Tour season has been one for the record books, and on a dramatic Tuesday at the Morningside Arena, Chinese sensation Chang Bingyu added another historic chapter. The 21-year-old compiled a stunning 147 maximum break during his UK Championship qualifying match against Ismail Turkmens, propelling the number of perfect frames this season to an unprecedented 16.
This new benchmark shatters the previous record of 13 maximums, set during the 2021/22 season, and does so with more than six months of competitive snooker still to be played. The achievement underscores not only the incredible depth of talent on the tour but also the aggressive, break-building style that has come to define the modern era of the sport.
Chang’s moment of perfection came in the fifth frame of his first qualifying round match. After a cagey start to the encounter, a loose safety from his opponent presented the opportunity. With calm precision, Chang methodically cleared the 15 reds with 15 blacks before navigating the colors, culminating with the final black to a centre pocket, sparking celebrations in the arena.
A Prolific Season for Perfection
The 16 maximum breaks have been spread across a variety of tournaments and players, both established stars and rising talents. The record-breaking pace began early and has shown no signs of slowing down. The list of players who have contributed to this historic tally is a veritable who's who of the sport's biggest names and most promising newcomers.
Notable maximums this season include:
- Mark Allen at the Champion of Champions, a statement win in a major invitational.
- John Higgins at the Northern Ireland Open, a classic from the Scottish wizard.
- Tom Ford, who has made two, at the International Championship and the English Open.
- Barry Hawkins at the European Masters.
- Kyren Wilson at the Wuhan Open.
The frequency of these breaks highlights a significant shift in the game. World Snooker Tour (WST) chairman Steve Higgins commented on the trend, stating, "To see the record for maximums broken so emphatically is a testament to the incredible skill and attacking intent of today's players. The standard has never been higher, and they are pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible."
Chang Bingyu's Meteoric Rise
For Chang Bingyu, this 147 is the crowning achievement of a young career already filled with promise. Nicknamed ‘The Ice Cool Kid’ for his composed demeanor at the table, Chang turned professional in 2018 and quickly made a name for himself as one of China's most exciting prospects. His previous best run was reaching the semi-finals of the 2021 Northern Ireland Open.
Speaking to WST after his historic achievement, Chang could barely contain his elation. "I am so happy and proud," he said. "To make a 147 is a dream for every snooker player, and to be the one to set the new record for the season is an unbelievable feeling. I just tried to focus on each shot and not think about the maximum until the final black."
His opponent, Ismail Turkmens, was gracious in defeat, acknowledging the special moment he had witnessed. "When a player is in that kind of zone, there is nothing you can do but watch and appreciate the skill," Turkmens remarked. "It was a fantastic break, and congratulations to Bingyu. He handled the pressure perfectly."
The Financial and Statistical Impact of a 147
While the glory is immense, there is also a significant financial incentive for making a maximum break. At most professional tournaments, a rolling prize for a 147 is on offer. For the UK Championship, the total 147 prize fund stands at £15,000. However, because this break occurred in the qualifying stages, the financial reward is part of a separate rolling pot for non-televised maximums.
The statistical explosion of maximums raises the question: why now? Analysts point to several factors:
- Improved Equipment: Higher-quality cloths and cushions allow for more predictable ball movement.
- Player Fitness and Dedication: Today's professionals treat the sport with an athletic rigor unseen in previous eras.
- Aggressive Mindset: The modern game rewards relentless, high-scoring aggression over cautious safety play.
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, who holds the record for the most professional 147s (15), recently noted the changing landscape. "The kids coming through now, they aren't afraid. They see a plant, they go for it. They see a long red, they pot it. The game is in a great place."
What This Means for the Future
With the season only just passing its halfway point, the new record of 16 is almost certain to be pushed even higher. Major events like the World Grand Prix, the Players Championship, the Tour Championship, and the crown jewel, the World Championship in Sheffield, are still to come. Each presents multiple opportunities for the world's best to add to the tally.
The record also signals a potential changing of the guard. While veterans like Higgins and Allen have contributed, the list is increasingly populated by younger players like Chang, Si Jiahui, and Xu Si, demonstrating the global growth and competitive depth of snooker. The sport's governing body sees this as a hugely positive development.
A WST spokesman added, "This record is a fantastic story for snooker. It captures the imagination of fans and shows the incredible level of skill on our tour. We congratulate Chang Bingyu on his magnificent achievement and look forward to seeing how high the number can go by the end of the season in May."
For Chang Bingyu, the immediate focus returns to the task at hand: winning his UK Championship qualifying match and earning a spot in the final stages in York. But regardless of the result, his name is now permanently etched into the snooker history books as the young man who made the record-breaking 16th maximum of a truly unforgettable season.
