Heartbreak at 105! Liam Pullen’s £159K Miss Steals the Spotlight on Snooker’s Dramatic Judgement Day
The drama of Judgement Day at the World Snooker Championship qualifiers delivered both brilliance and heartbreak, with Liam Pullen at the center of a moment that could have changed his career.
The 20-year-old rising star looked poised for a dream breakthrough at the Crucible as he edged into a 5–4 lead over Noppon Saengkham in their final qualifying clash. Pullen showcased remarkable composure and talent, compiling impressive breaks of 58, 131, and 54. Yet it was one frame in particular that captured the tension and cruelty of elite sport.
On a stunning run in frame five, Pullen surged to 105 and appeared destined for the elusive maximum 147 — one of snooker’s most prestigious achievements. But in a cruel twist, his attempt at the 14th black rattled the jaws of the pocket and stayed out. In that instant, not only did the maximum vanish, but so did a potential £147,000 bonus, along with additional prize incentives tied to the tournament’s highest break.
Despite the setback, Pullen maintained his composure to build a 5–2 advantage. However, Saengkham refused to fold, battling back to narrow the gap and keep the contest finely balanced heading into the decisive stages.
Elsewhere, the qualifiers were equally intense. Stan Moody overturned a 3–1 deficit to lead Jiang Jun 5–4, while Jackson Page edged ahead against Pang Junxu, despite the latter firing in superb centuries of 104 and 107.
Veteran experience also came into play as former world champion Stuart Bingham fought back from 3–0 down, only for Matthew Stevens to produce a brilliant 64 clearance and seize a 5–4 lead. Meanwhile, David Gilbert dazzled with breaks of 141 and 126 to edge past Aaron Hill.
As multiple matches hang delicately at 5–4, the stage is set for a gripping conclusion. For Pullen, the missed black will linger painfully — not just for the lost money, but for the history that slipped away. Still, with his composure, skill, and fearless play, his Crucible dream remains very much alive.
