Zhou Yuelong Fires Stunning 147 as Snooker’s Maximum Break Boom Hits New Heights
Zhou Yuelong has added his name once again to snooker’s history books by compiling the eighth maximum break of the season. The 27-year-old Chinese star produced a flawless 147 during his 5-2 victory over Belgium’s Julien Leclercq in the qualifying stages of the Xi’an Grand Prix.
The perfect break arrived in the fourth frame, extending Zhou’s lead to 3-1. It set the tone for a commanding performance that also featured contributions of 99, 73, and 77, underlining his sharp form. With the win, Zhou booked his place in the final stages of the tournament, which will be staged in Xi’an next month.
For Zhou, this was the third maximum of his professional career, elevating him into an elite group of just 29 players who have compiled three or more official 147s. His achievement also pushes the overall tally of maximums in professional snooker to 225.
The feat comes at a time when the sport is experiencing a surge in high breaks. This season alone has already produced eight maximums, a stark contrast to the previous campaign when, at the same stage, only one had been recorded. That season eventually set a record of 15 in total, but the current pace suggests that milestone could soon be under threat.
Zhou’s latest success not only strengthens his growing reputation but also highlights his ability to deliver on the big stage. With confidence high, he now heads into the Xi’an Grand Prix finals as one to watch.
