Stephen Hendry takes issue with Judd Trump's 147s maximum claim but concedes Ronnie O'Sullivan could be the exception to the rule
Published 16/10/2025 at 09:22 GMT+1
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Stephen Hendry has waded into the debate on whether making a 147 trumps a tournament victory on the main professional circuit. World No. 1 Judd Trump suggested achieving the maximum is the ultimate "buzz" in the sport, more momentous than titles. "I think they are more special than tournament wins," said Trump on TNT Sports after producing his ninth 147 at last week's Xi'an Grand Prix in China.
Watch in full: Trump hits brilliant 147 against Ng
Video credit: TNT Sports
Judd Trump prompted a few raised eyebrows when he suggested making a 147 was "more special than tournament wins" at last week's Xi'an Grand Prix in China.
The world No. 1 produced the ninth maximum of his career in a 5-2 victory over Ng On Yee in the first round of the sixth ranking event of the new campaign.
It was Trump’s first 147 break since 2022, but already the 12th of the 2025/26 season, which runs until next May.
Trump's 147 was soon followed by the 13th maximum from Aaron Hill in a record slew of maximums at the start of any season on the main professional circuit.
"I think they are more special than tournament wins," said the 30-time ranking event winner on TNT Sports.
"I’ve had a lot more tournament wins than maximums.
"The feeling when I play snooker, I don’t get that nervous any more, but there’s always a different buzz when you are on for a 147.
"You are always smiling as you walk off. It’s the one thing you can still do on a snooker table that makes you feel like a kid.
"No matter what happens, the feeling you get as a snooker player.
"It’s nice to win events, but making a 147 is probably more special than anything."
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He’s done it again! Watch as O’Sullivan makes second 147 in stunning semi-final showing
Video credit: TNT Sports
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry was no stranger to a maximum during his peak years, producing 11 in his career to occupy third spot on the all-time list behind Ronnie O'Sullivan (17) and fellow Scot John Higgins (13).
O'Sullivan picked up a whopping £180,333 in bonuses for becoming the first man in history to hit two in the same match during his Saudi Arabia Masters semi-final against Chris Wakelin.
That was more than the £177,000 earned by fellow 'Class of '92' icon Mark Williams for his 10-3 final victory over Shaun Murphy at the Xi'an Grand Prix on Monday.
Hendry feels only a huge financial incentive would be comparable to a tournament triumph.
"It is still the best legal buzz you can get on a snooker table. There's no bigger thrill as a snooker player," said Hendry on the World Snooker Tour podcast.
"It is the ultimate, but to say it is more special than winning an event. Unless you're doing it in Saudi Arabia, I would disagree.
"I think what you are there for as a snooker player is to win tournaments.
"I realise the 147 is special, but in my opinion, when I play a tournament, I'd rather win the tournament.
"I don't go to make a 147, it is as simple as that."
Meanwhile, Trump begins his quest for a record fifth Northern Ireland Open title against recent British Open finalist Anthony McGill at 19:00 UK time on Sunday night, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
- What did public vote O'Sullivan's greatest achievement as snooker GOAT?
- Watch: Milkins roars with delight after booking Scottish Open spot with comeback win
- Northern Ireland Open: How to watch? What's the schedule? Are O'Sullivan, Trump playing?
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Watch and stream top snooker action, including the Northern Ireland Open, live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+
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