Shaun Murphy compiled only the sixth maximum 147 break in the history of the Masters on his way to a win that set up a final against world champion Kyren Wilson.
Murphy achieved the feat in his 6-3 semi-final win over Mark Allen on Saturday.
He will now face Wilson, who emerged as an impressive 6-3 winner in a meeting with world number one Judd Trump, who had defeated him at the same stage of the UK Championship in November.
Wilson, who is second in the rankings, enjoyed breaks of 61, 89, 60, 76, 88 and 85 before getting over the winning line with a superb century.
Earlier on Saturday, Murphy’s maximum came as he established a 4-2 lead over Northern Ireland’s Allen in the best-of-11 encounter.
“I can’t believe it. It was an incredible moment, one of the best of my snooker career,” Murphy told BBC Sport
“I have wanted to make a 147 in one of the BBC events since I was a child. I had a great opportunity the other day and totally messed it up. I had great support from the crowd, who were absolutely amazing.”
He is only the fifth player to record a 147 break – clearing all 15 reds with 15 blacks, followed by all the colours – at the Masters since the event was first staged in 1975.
Kirk Stevens recorded the first in 1984, while Ding Junhui (twice), Marco Fu and Allen have also achieved snooker perfection.
