The Breaks Came My Way

Records

I held the record snooker break on twelve occasions, finishing with the maximum break of 147 which, though it has been equalled, can never be beaten. Some smart-alecs, it is true, say that if your opponent starts with a foul stroke and gives you a free ball then the maximum possible is 155 points. But this, to my mind, is like saying that Hillary would have climbed even higher if Everest had had a flagpole on the top.

My first century break at snooker (i.e. 100 points or more) came in Manchester in 1928. In all I made 687 centuries. It is interesting to note the shortening period of time between each hundred centuries, reflecting not only the development of new playing techniques, but also the growing popularity of the game and the consequent frequency with which it was played - not to mention changes in table design which made potting slightly easier.

My 100th century was reached in 1939, My 200th in 1946, My 300h in 1948, My 400th in 1951, My 500th in 1953, My 600th in 1955. My break of 147 was also made in 1955

For the statistically minded here are the results of my appearances in the finals of the championship competitions organised by the Billiards Association and Control Council (now the Billiards & Snooker Control Council).