Snooker star hits ‘one of best Crucible shots ever’ after commentators begged him not to | Other | Sport

Chris Wakelin produced an exceptional shot in the 12th frame of his World Snooker Championship clash with Mark Allen on Friday. The 33-year-old was in a commanding position in his best-of-25-frame contest, having built up a wide lead over Allen, and he was evidently full of confidence as he took on a shot which brought the house down.

After potting a red to take his break to 19, Wakelin left himself an unenviable shot on either the yellow or the green, with the cue ball resting on the top cushion. Upon seeing him size up yellow to left middle, which would have required a perfect strike and surgical precision, BBC commentators Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis were in disbelief.

“Surely he’s not going to take the green or the yellow on to the middle pocket here?” said Hendry. “It’s not an easy roll is it? Surely not!” Davis jumped in with: “No! Please no!” They both breathed a sigh of relief when Wakelin stood back up from the table. Davis said: “I think this is one too far, surely he doesn’t want to let Mark Allen in easily.”

The punditry duo, as well as those in attendance, were stunned into silence when Wakelin lined back up to take on the yellow and rolled it in.

As Allen gave an approving hand-tap and applause rang out around the venue, Hendry said: “That is one of the best shots I’ve ever seen. Wow.” Davis added: “There have been some fantastic shots played over the years at the Crucible but that’s up there in the top 10 for me.”

Wakelin required a drink of water and a few deep breaths before he could continue with the frame. He eventually slipped up on the blue, but with 75 points on the board, his emphatic 10-2 lead was already assured.

At the break, former world champion Shaun Murphy twice attempted to recreate the shot on the BBC, and missed both times. He explained: “This is about as difficult as it gets. Try standing out there in the Crucible and playing this shot from here.

“He could have played safe off the brown or played the green in off the red into the middle pocket. He chose the most difficult shot. This is absolutely ridiculous to play this yellow at the Crucible when it matters most. It’s totally, totally bonkers.”

In an incredible turn of events just a few minutes later, Wakelin was upstaged by Allen, who hit the first 147 break at this year’s tournament and secured a £40k bonus.