Mark Allen made history with a magical Crucible 147. The ‘Pistol’, 39, etched his name in the record books as he became the first player ever to make a maximum break in all three Triple Crown majors — World Championship, UK Championship and Masters — during his second round match with Chris Wakelin.

Allen is in line to pocket £45,000 for the feat, if it is not matched, which saw a lucky fan scoop a £25,000 sponsor’s prize for a ‘Midnite Maximum’.

The world No.8 said: “That was a massive buzz. I literally couldn't feel my hands or legs at the end. It's nice to put myself in the history books.

“Doing it for the fan was nice too. It's a great initiative. I’d love to know how he felt the last few balls because I know how nervous I was.”

Brian Nicholls, 75, was the welcome winner of the prize and will spend the money on a cruise for his 30th wedding anniversary next year with wife Eve.

The tickets were a birthday present from son Ian and the former steel fixer said: “I’m a very happy man. £25,000 is a lot of money, I wanted to kiss him! My heart was pounding.

“I’ve loved snooker my whole life but it’s the first time I’ve ever been to the Crucible. I’ll definitely be back.

“I came for a quiet day out and now I’ve won £25,000. I’m over the moon.”