Mark Williams hit form in stunning fashion at the English Open (Image: Getty Images)

Mark Williams became the oldest ever player to hit a maximum of 147 when he scored the perfect break against Neil Robertson at the English Open on Friday.

The three-time world champion isn’t exactly known for producing at his best, and this is only the third of his epic 30-year pro career.

This one has a bit of history though, as at 47 years and 270 days, no one older than this has reached a competitive maximum.

Fellow Class of 92 legend John Higgins was the previous holder of this particular record, peaking at the British Open last year at 46 years and 90 days.

Remarkably, Williams’ superb display at Brentwood ended 3-0 against Robertson as the Welshman had scored just 17 points in the opening three frames of the match.

The Aussie had eliminated breaks of 73, 97 and 100 and kept Williams cold, but he warmed up with the 147 in fourth style.

Friday’s maximum was the 183rd official 147 in snooker and the seventh this season since Zhang Anda scored one at the European Masters in July.

Williams scored more perfect breaks in the Crucible at the 2005 World Championship and at the 2010 Rhein-Main Masters.

With the third of his career, Williams is next to James Wattana, Ali Carter and Barry Hawkins, but still behind 11 players who earned more.

Ronnie O’Sullivan tops that list with 15, ahead of Higgins with 12, Stephen Hendry with 11 and Stuart Bingham with nine.

Judd Trump works his way up the list with eight, while Ding Junhui and Shaun Murphy have six, Tom Ford, Robertson and Marco Fu have five, and Gary Wilson and Mark Selby have four.