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SMILING Mark Selby achieved the first 147 ever seen in the final of the World Snooker Championship.

In the 16th frame, the Leicester Jester enjoyed a moment of snooker perfection by clearing all the balls on the table against Luca Brecel.

Mark Selby fought back in the final with a stunning maximum break
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Mark Selby fought back in the final with a stunning maximum breakCredit: PA
Selby enjoys his sensational piece of history-making
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Selby enjoys his sensational piece of history-makingCredit: PA

The No.2 seed punched the air, hugged Brecel and tried to instigate a Mexican Wave as he nailed the 14th Crucible maximum – and became only the 10th man to celebrate such a wondrous feat

Kyren Wilson secured one earlier in the tournament and it means the pair will share a bounty of £55,000 once the tournament is done.

The crowd, which included former Manchester United Roy Keane, rose to its feet and gave a delighted Selby a deserved standing ovation.

Fans online rushed to hail the historic moment.

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One posted: "An incredible achievement! Also love the way Brecel gave him a huge hug."

That drew the response: "Unbelievable! Great stuff from both players."

It was the fifth time Selby had ever compiled a maximum in his professional career.

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It was also the 189th witnessed in the sport since six-time world champion Steve Davis made history with the first one in January 1982.

Referee Brendan Moore, who is officiating in his third final and last snooker match after 19 years, thanked Selby for the special moment.

Selby stuck out his tongue before nailing the 16th and final black.

Dennis Taylor, the 1985 world snooker champion, said: “Take a bow, Mark Selby. Just listen to this crowd. What a maximum break. Luca Brecel comes forward and give shim a guy.

“This is Brendan Moore’s last final and he has refereed a maximum break. Absolutely stunning.”

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