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At what point does a 147 become a 180? When it's Ronnie O'Sullivan, writing more history. Precisely then.

In a season when snooker's 147, once viewed as elusive as the Abominable Snowman, has made frequent appearances on television, it fell to O'Sullivan to show that nobody does it better. Sinking his second 147 in just over 120 minutes at the Saudi Arabia Masters in August, O'Sullivan secured a record £180,333 in prize money.

As his half-century milestone arrives in December, O'Sullivan maintains an bold streak that sets him apart. Nearly three decades after his famous lightning-fast maximum at the Crucible, he remains pure box office.

But O'Sullivan, who starts his quest for a record-extending ninth title, is in good company in understanding the path to a maximum. There have been an astonishing twenty-five so far on the professional tour in 2025, shattering the calendar year best of 14.

'Everyone on the tour now could make one'

"Picture Moira Stuart in 1983 appearing on the Six O'Clock News and informing the nation Cliff Thorburn's had a 147 at the Crucible. It would now get overlooked because it's just like, 'oh, there's been another 147'."

That's the verdict of Shaun Murphy, ranked fourth on the historical rankings with 10 maximums. He is not wrong. Thorburn's maximum was a defining moment for 1983's television viewer. It was only the second ratified 147, with Steve Davis achieving the first. Davis' prize? One of the sponsor's cars.

There were just 8 147s across the whole 1980s, a snooker decade bursting with theatrical storylines and towering characters. For pure technical standard, few eras rival the current one.

"Players are chasing their career records and the tour is offering incentives out there," notes Murphy. "Players are more aware of these challenges. They're training specifically for them."

Legendary figures like Alex Higgins never had a maximum break on tour. Nor did fellow world champions. Yet promising talent Aaron Hill made two inside four weeks. The 23-year-old is amazed that Higgins never had one.

Hill explains: "There are a lot of players who are still waiting. It was always a goal to have my name on the list. The buzz is unreal. Everyone on the tour now has the potential. We're almost expecting one in every tournament. It's everyone egging each other on."

What is the secret to a 147?

"I think if there is a knack to it, it's seeing it early," explains Shaun Murphy. "If you come to the table early and pot a couple of reds and some blacks, and you see the black's available to both pockets... we all think 'hang on a minute, there's a 147 on here'.

"I remain proud of the one I made in the Shoot Out because I tried to make it from the very first pot. To have the personal challenge and then get it in the cauldron of the Shoot Out was pretty special."

Murphy reflects on the unique atmosphere: "When you're on a maximum, everyone in the room knows it and it intensifies their attention. Everyone's focus fixates on you." Are maximums losing their magic? "I don't think so."

What's next if the 147 code has been cracked?

• Snooker is waiting for its first ratified 147 by a woman. China's Bai Yulu compiled a 145 at a recent championship.
• Two 147s in the one contest has been achieved. Two in back-to-back frames next?
• The one-five-five (a 147 plus eight points from a free-ball scenario at the start) has yet to be made in tournament play. Footage exists of a player making one in practice.
• The one-six-seven is "perhaps the next step," says Murphy, referring to a new challenge involving a golden ball for a massive financial prize.

The chase for the record is on

Murphy proposes the explosion of maximums is straightforward to understand. "I just think everyone's getting better. Some of the players lower in the standings that the general public have never heard of, on their day they can beat anyone."

The improving "quality and consistency of playing conditions" is also credited as a factor. But in the end, the players are the ones potting the shots.

Hill has two maximums. O'Sullivan possesses the record of 17. "Look out Ronnie, he's coming for you." It is said in jest, but Hill fancies the chase.

"At the end of my career, I believe I'll be ranked highly with maximum breaks," he declares. At the very least, players now go about their everyday matches with the thought that the next frame is rich in promise.

Sink the red, add the black. Rinse and repeat.