Ronnie O’sullivan has defended his controversial 146 break in his first round match of the Welsh Open against world number 82, Barry Pinches. O’sullivan, also known as the Rocket, said he could have made a maximum break of 147 but turned it down because the prize money for the highest break of £10,000 was ‘too cheap’. O’sullivan had potted 14 reds and 13 blacks before opting to go for the pink which stopped him from getting a 147.

Barry Hearn, the chairman of Snooker has criticized the player saying ‘it is unacceptable and disrespectful to the fans who pay money and dream of seeing a 147. The rocket had scored a break of 80 when he asked the official how much money he could get for the maximum. When he found out that it was only £10,000, he gave a disappointing look to the commentary box.

When he won his second round match by beating China’s Tian Pengfei, 4-0, he said he ‘was just having a bit of fun but would still like the money to go up’. He was then asked why he didn’t just give it to charity. He said it’s hard to make the 147 so you don’t think of charity. Ronnie will play Jimmy Robertson in the third round of the Welsh Open.

Harry J. (Year 8)