The Hitman Is Now A Maximum Man

Snooker

12 June 2026

The Hitman Is Now A Maximum Man

The second day of the China Open qualifiers delivered the first maximum break of the new season, as Michael Holt produced a moment to remember at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester.

Holt Joins the Maximum Club

Former Shoot Out champion Michael Holt was the standout performer of the day, compiling the first 147 break of the 2026/27 campaign during a commanding 6-1 victory over Mark Joyce.

The maximum break was particularly significant as it marked the first of Holt’s 30-year professional career and the 242nd maximum break recorded in professional snooker.

Holt was in excellent scoring form throughout the contest, contributing breaks of 54, 84, 71 and 64 alongside his perfect frame. Joyce prevented a whitewash with a break of 80, but the result was never seriously in doubt as Holt secured one of the most memorable wins of his career.

White’s Run Comes To An End

After impressing on the opening day with a century break of 112 against Sean O’Sullivan, Jimmy White was unable to continue his progress in Leicester.

The six-time World Championship finalist suffered a 6-2 defeat to Louis Heathcote, whose breaks of 70 and 75 helped seal victory and end White’s hopes of reaching the final stages in China.

Fu Finds His Rhythm

Marco Fu produced one of the performances of the day with a dominant 6-1 victory over Oliver Brown.

The Hong Kong star demonstrated his renowned break-building ability with contributions of 79, 78, 58, 84, 134 and 62 as he continued his bid for qualification. Fu’s scoring power and fluent style served as a reminder of the quality that has made him one of the most respected players of his generation.

Jones Completes Remarkable Comeback

Duane Jones produced one of the most impressive recoveries of the day, fighting back from 3-0 down to defeat Alexander Ursenbacher 6-5.

Jones compiled breaks of 74, 66, 114, 64 and 86 before eventually claiming victory on the final pink in a dramatic deciding frame.

Heavy Scoring Across Day Two

There was no shortage of big breaks throughout the day’s action.

Liam Highfield recorded breaks of 135, 103, 86 and 77 during a convincing 6-2 victory over Florian Nüßle, while China’s Lyu Haotian made century breaks of 105 and 133 in a 6-3 win over Julien Leclercq.

Ross Muir also survived one of the most dramatic matches of the day. The Scot raced into a 5-0 lead against Michal Szubarczyk before seeing his opponent level the match at 5-5. Muir eventually held his nerve in the deciding frame, sealing victory with a break of 73.

With a maximum break, dramatic comebacks and plenty of heavy scoring, Day 2 provided another entertaining chapter in the race to qualify for the 2026 China Open.

Day 2 Results

Louis Heathcote 6-2 Jimmy White

Peter Lines 6-3 Bai Yulu

Ben Mertens 6-2 Antoni Kowalski

Sam Craigie 6-2 Chatchapong Nasa

Gao Yang 6-2 Andrew Higginson

Michael Holt 6-1 Mark Joyce

Lan Yuhao 6-2 Oliver Sykes

Ross Muir 6-5 Michal Szubarczyk

Martin O’Donnell 6-3 Ashley Carty

Lyu Haotian 6-3 Julien Leclercq

Jamie Clarke 6-4 Oliver Lines