Snooker star makes history after emulating World Championship achievement from 35 years ago

Marco Fu produced the moment of magic during his qualifying match against Ben Mertens

Snooker star Marco Fu has achieved a remarkable feat during his World Championship qualifying match against Ben Mertens on Thursday.

The world No70 recorded a score of 139 with a 16-red clearance, joining an exclusive club in the sport's history.

This extraordinary display of skill came as Fu was dominating his match, which determines a place at the Crucible.

Fu raced into a commanding 5-0 lead against Mertens in their crucial qualifying match and, in the fifth frame, produced his moment of snooker brilliance.

The Hong Kong player's exceptional skill left fans amazed as he executed the rare 16-red clearance perfectly.

Fu's achievement marks just the second time this has ever happened in World Championship history.

The only previous occurrence was 35 years ago when Steve James accomplished the same stunning feat against Alex Higgins in 1990.

Fu's effort was also just the seventh time a 16-red break had ever occurred in professional competition, while also placing his accomplishment among the rarest feats in professional snooker.

Fans quickly took to social media to express their admiration for Fu's exceptional display.

One supporter commented: "I saw it, brilliant."