Mark Williams, pictured, became the first ever Welshman to make a maximum 147 break as he booked his place in round two of the Embassy World Champion-ship yesterday.

The world number two from Cwm finished off a 10-1 win over Rob Milkins with his perfect break.

Williams potted 15 reds, 15 blacks and all the colours to claim a £147,000 cash bonus. He will also likely add the high break prize of £14,000.

The 2000 and 2003 champion becomes the fifth player to achieve the feat at the Crucible after Cliff Thorburn, Stephen Hendry, Jimmy White and Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Williams claimed to be one of the coolest men in the Crucible Theatre while he was potting himself into the Embassy World Championship record books.

It was the 51st 'max' in snooker history and the 26th on television but it was also Williams' highest score following a 142 in the 1994 Strachan Professional.

"Apart from the shot from brown to blue I'm surprised how calm I felt," said the 30-year-old left hander.

"But I've never put myself in that position before. I knew I had 32 straight away and because I was so far ahead I thought I would have a go."

Williams' break came in the final frame of his 10-1 victory over Robert Milkins.

His Gloucester rival shook his hand while Tony Drago, playing against Stephen Lee, came around the screen dividing the two tables to hug him.

Compatriot Terry Griffiths, also Williams' coach, came out of the commentary box to congratulate him.

Williams is guaranteed £147,000 and will collect £14,000 more for the high-break prize if no one emulates his maximum.

"Apart from winning the world title it's the biggest pay cheque you can get now," said Williams. "It's like winning three or four ranking tournaments."

That was a barbed comment about the substantially reduced prize fund on the World Snooker circuit this season.

"Mind you, the missus will probably spend it," laughed Williams, who now meets Graeme Dott or Lancastrian Ian McCulloch.

"I'm shaking now more than I was during the game," he added. "I really can't believe how calm I was.

"I've made hundreds of maximums in practice but never got near one when it mattered.

"Stephen Hendry said he thought it was on before I potted the first red. I wish I'd been so confident."