Si Jiahui makes ‘absolutely spellbinding’ 147 maximum to reach Wuhan Open final after maiden win over Judd Trump
“Absolutely spellbinding stuff,” said Eurosport commentator Neal Foulds as Si Jiahui compiled a maiden 147 maximum break at the Wuhan Open. Si showed remarkable cue-ball control under pressure to join one of snooker’s most exclusive clubs. The Chinese potter’s first ever maximum set the 22-year-old on his way to a first-ever victory over Judd Trump and a place in Saturday’s Wuhan Open final.
Si Jiahui compiled a superb 147 maximum break during his stunning Wuhan Open semi-final 6-2 victory over Judd Trump.
Trump had never been defeated in six previous meetings between the pair, but Si prevailed and now has the opportunity to secure his first-ever career ranking title in Saturday’s final against fellow Chinese Xiao Guodong.
The 22-year-old saw Trump pinch the opening frame, but he gave a flavour of what was to follow with a 144 total clearance to draw level at 1-1.
He moved ahead after taking the third frame with another smart contribution of 61, then produced the moment of his young career as he potted 15 reds, 15 blacks and the colours to raise the roof in Wuhan.
“Absolutely spellbinding stuff,” said Neal Foulds on Eurosport commentary as Si put together his perfect break.
Si’s 147 was the 206th in snooker history, an elite club that was started by Steve Davis at the Lada Classic in 1982.
Ronnie O’Sullivan holds the record for most maximum breaks with 15.
Trump looked set to silence fans inside the arena thereafter, but his subsequent break faltered at 59 and Si grabbed his opportunity for a three-frame advantage with an 81 clearance.
Finally stopping the rot, the Englishman recovered with a break of 89, but a third century of the match would quickly follow for Si as Trump remained rooted to his seat.
And Si’s passage to the final was confirmed with an effervescent 71 as Foulds gushed on commentary that his was one of the best performances he’d seen from an emerging talent.
Xiao stages stunning comeback from three down
Si will face Xiao Guodong in Saturday’s final, after the 35-year-old mounted a stunning fightback from 4-1 down to defeat compatriot Long Zehuang.
Xiao booked his third ranking final of his career, and his first since 2017, with a ruthless five-frame winning streak to close out the contest.
As Long followed up the then-highest break of the tournament of 141 with a century to go within two of victory, it looked almost certain that he would knock out his close friend.
But Xiao had other ideas, kick-starting his comeback with a 130 break and the world No. 29 did not relent as breaks of 112 and 91 helped him over the finish line.