Ronnie Makes 10th Maximum…or does he?
Ronnie O’Sullivan made a 147 maximum break in his opening match against Mark King in the opening round of the 12Bet.com World Open in Glasgow, but question marks hang over what would be his tenth perfect break in major competition.
Defiantly, O’Sullivan initially refused to pot the black and shook his opponent’s hand after potting the pink with break on 140.
Encouraged by King and referee Jan Verhaas, to “do it for the fans”, The Rocket got down and smashed the black into the corner pocket before hastily exiting the arena.
One fan claimed to have heard the three-time world champion say as he shook King’s hand “it’s only four grand”.
The World Open has replaced the Grand Prix which ran on BBC Sport for 25 years and last year had a £20,000 prize for the first player making a 147.
O’Sullivan was immediately interviewed by BBC’s Rob Walker and was clearly annoyed at the lack of a maximum break bonus on offer at the new event.
He said, "I wasn't going to pot the black to be honest with you because I asked the ref and was told there was no break prize for a 147,".
"Jan talked me into it [potting the black]. My whole thing was I was going to make 140 and leave the black What's the point of making a 147 if they're only going to give you four grand for it?
"I'm surprised. They're getting stingier. I thought Barry Hearn was supposed to be putting more money into the game, not taking it out.
With a glint in his eye, he cheekily added, "I've had loads of 147s so I don't really get excited by it”.
Any time a player is on a maximum break attempt at a major tournament, players on the practise tables down cues and head to the nearest monitor, and this one was no exception.
The likes of Jimmy White, Ken Doherty and Mark Williams were in awe as O’Sullivan effortlessly went about the break.
Williams even said when O’Sullivan potted the 13th black, “it wouldn’t surprise me, if he makes 140 and plays safe on the black”, such is the unpredictability of ‘The Rocket’.
None of them could actually believe his actions but once the amazement of the ability and audacity needed the debate began.
Having shaken hands before completing the break forced lengthy discussions over whether the break should stand, and if another player goes on to make in excess of 140, they would have a claim on the £4,000 highest break.
It appears at present that World Snooker have credited and it stands as the 73rd competitive 147 break in professional competition, since Steve Davis made the first televised one at the Lada Cars Classic in 1982.
