Shaun Murphy makes 147 break in Masters semi-final clash against Mark Allen and wins huge amount for doing so

Shaun Murphy made his first maximum in a Triple Crown event and the sixth 147 break in the history of the Masters during his semi-final clash against Mark Allen on Saturday.

The 42-year-old, who narrowly missed out on a 147 break in his quarter-final match with Neil Robertson this week, made no mistake this time around as he celebrated potting the final black in triumphant fashion.

As a result, Murphy is set to scoop a £15,000 prize for the highest break of the tournament.

And if he manages to achieve two 147s at the three Triple Crown tournaments this season – the UK Championship, World Snooker Championship and Masters – the Harlow-born player will receive £147,000.

Here is that wonderful moment from the Alexandra Palace.

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the scenes.

One said: "Fantastic from Murphy. Not seen him play this well for a very long time," and a second commented: "That’s special, especially after his last attempt."

A third wrote: "This is now Murphy’s second 147 since this discussion & has almost had another one the other day. Thus proving @lukeh180 point about how a 147 is easier than a 9 darter."

A fourth said: "Just need someone to get a hole in one there and then the venue has completed the set," and a fifth added: "One the best 147’s I’ve seen in a longtime made to look incredibly simple due to how well @Magician147 made it look."

After he failed to record a 147 in his match with Robertson this week, Murphy was understandably fuming.

“I’d love to have another go, I wouldn’t mind but I did that once before years ago in the Welsh Open against Mark Williams and did exactly the same shot, you’d think I would’ve learned," he said.

“I just couldn’t breathe, it was too difficult at that point, I was very nervous and just thought anywhere but there. Game over.”

He added: "It would have been a great present because it’s my mum’s birthday today. That was somewhere near my best so I’m really pleased."

Murphy has performed admirably in recent days and on Thursday, he talked up his chances of winning a title.

"I remember as an 11-year-old going to the Masters at Wembley Conference Centre, I said to my friend 'do you think I'll ever get to play here?' Ally Pally is better, it's a dream come true to walk down those stairs.

"My game has been going in the right direction, something good is coming for me, whether it's this week or next week or next month. As long as I am here I am dangerous."

Thoughts on his 147 break? Let us know in the comments.