JUDD TRUMP admits he is a “little bit surprised” with the recent 147 epidemic, but insists there is a logical explanation.
A staggering total of 13 maximums have been recorded this season with the two latest ones taking place on Tuesday.
At the Xi’an Grand Prix in China, Trump, 36, knocked in one of his own during his opening round win over Ng On Yee.
Aaron Hill followed later in the day with his second of the season during his victory over Huang Jiahao as he recorded the latest maximum of the season.
The epidemic started with Fan Zhengyi during the Championship League in July.
Zhang Anda, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh – twice – Ronnie O’Sullivan – twice – Xiao Guodong, Zhou Yuelong, Ali Carter and Gary Wilson have followed.
The most 147s ever made in an entire season is 15 and signs show the record could be broken this term.
And Trump isn’t too surprised as he believes it all comes down to the standard in play rising throughout the tour.
The World No1 added that all those continuous 147s have inspired everyone to follow suit rather than just trying to win the frame.
Trump told WST: “It’s been a while. A lot of other people have been making 147s and making it look easy. So I feel it was about time I made one.
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“It was special to make one in China, the atmosphere was very good out there, good crowd out there.
“I don’t feel like the pockets are that much bigger or anything is any different. I feel like the tables have been playing quite tough this season and quite heavy.
“It’s a little bit surprising everyone has been making them. I think the standard of play has just improved. Everybody seems to want to make maximums now.
“I think it’s the new normal, players are more relaxed. I think the mentality’s different.
“Players are less inclined to pick the balls off and win the frame. From the first ball you’re just going for a 147.
“The more you keep seeing people do it, the more you feel a bit left out and go for it yourself.
“The feeling you get as a snooker player, it’s nice to win events but making a 147 is probably more special than anything.
“I think they’re more special than tournament wins, I’ve had a lot more tournament wins than I’ve had maximums.”
