Mark Allen Fires 147 but Faces World Championship Elimination

Mark Allen achieved a historic 147 maximum break at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, becoming only the 15th player to do so at the Crucible. Despite this moment of brilliance, Allen struggled through a disastrous session, failing to pot a ball in three consecutive frames and allowing qualifier Chris Wakelin to extend his lead significantly. Wakelin delivered an outstanding performance, including several notable breaks and shots praised by snooker legends Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis, ultimately requiring just one more frame to reach his first quarter-final. Allen's 147 break earned him a £40,000 bonus, but it was not enough to change the course of the match, as Wakelin maintained control and eventually won 13-6. The achievement comes amid ongoing discussion about the future of the Crucible Theatre as the iconic venue for the championship, with calls for expansion or relocation to keep up with the sport’s needs. The event underscores both the personal milestones and broader issues facing professional snooker today.