Mark Allen started life as the new Masters champion in remarkable style when he made a maximum 147 break – just 24 hours after the best night of his snooker career.

Mark Allen. Picture by Monique Limbos

Just one day after he became a Masters winner for the first time following his win over Kyren Wilson, Allen returned to his native Northern Ireland on Monday and delighted the crowd making a maximum break in an exhibition match against fellow countryman and snooker star Joe Swail.

The exhibition took place at the Trinity Hall snooker club in Shankill Road, Belfast and was attended by more than 100 people.

A Facebook post from the snooker club reads: “Wow what a night we had in Trinity Hall last night. I want to thank Mark Allen and Joe Swail for the show they put on for the 100 plus crowd that turned up and showed their support.. and to top it off Mark hit a 147.

“Thank you both for everything and thanks to you and the publicity it will bring the hall. Things will turn around and the hall will start to thrive.”