Marco Fu has joined an elite club after achieving something that snooker has only seen once before.
Fu was competing in the World Snooker Championship qualifying when he faced Ben Mertens on Thursday.
It was Hong Kong’s Fu who took control of the game early on as he stormed to a 5-0 lead.
But the 47-year-old’s impressive antics were just getting started in the fifth frame.
That’s because the world number 70 left fans stunned by recording a score of 139 after a total 16-red clearance.
Fu is the seventh player in history to achieve the much-sought-after 16-red.
However it’s just the second time that it has ever happened in World Championship history.
The last time it occurred was back in 1990 when Steve James pulled off the achievement.
That was 35 years, meaning that Fu’s effort was even more impressive.
Reacting to the achievement on social media, fans couldn’t believe their eyes.
One said: “I saw it, brilliant.”
Another declared: “Doesn’t happen often but great when it does.”
One noted: “Nice to see Fu playing so well.”
Another added: “Would love to see him back at the Crucible.”
Fu was among the biggest names vying for a spot in the competition which kicks off at the Crucible later this month.
Only the world’s top 16-ranked stars automatically qualify for the main event at the Crucible on April 19.
