By Jonathan Rawcliffe BBC Sport at The Crucible

CRUCIBLE 147s 2005: Mark Williams 2003: Ronnie O'Sullivan 1997: Ronnie O'Sullivan 1995: Stephen Hendry 1992: Jimmy White 1983: Cliff Thorburn

Williams potted 15 reds and 15 blacks followed by all the colours for a 147 break in nine minutes.

He becomes only the fifth player to achieve the feat, and the first Welshman to do so in a match at the Crucible Theatre.

The break should net Williams a total prize fund of £161,000.

If another player manages a maximum effort during this year's World Championship the money on offer for the highest break of the tournament would be shared.

During Williams' sensational frame, play was stopped between Stephen Lee and Tony Drago on table one as the pair became aware what was happening on the other side of the dividing screen.

Referee Johan Oomen gave the nod for Lee and Drago to sit down mid-frame, and allow the mesmerised crowd to concentrate on the other match.

Afterwards, a jubilant Williams said he was astounded by the way he kept his nerve to seal his first ever 147 break.

"I thought it could be the best chance I ever get," said Williams, who has a reputation for missing out on big breaks once a frame has been secured.

"I weighed up the options and thought I may as well go for it.

"I just can't believe how calm I felt - until I got down to the last couple of colours. On the black I thought, 'just roll it in' and then 'that'll do nicely!'"

Reflecting on his achievement, Williams said he hoped making a maximum would provide him with the impetus to win his third world title.

Awesome - so good to see this guy showing some form again. Williams is a real class act when he's on his game From TA Have your say on Five Live

An indifferent season had seen him tumble down the provisional rankings, but his potting game came together to destroy world number 28 Milkins.

"It's a sign that my game's still there - it's come out in this break and I've just got to keep producing this kind of stuff," said the 30-year-old.

"My practice form is starting to come to matches in patches.

"The atmosphere was fantastic and I enjoyed every moment - the crowd was right behind me."

M WILLIAMS (Wal) 10-1 R MILKINS (Eng)