Ronnie O’Sullivan is not afraid of controversy and has stirred things up today while playing in the Wales Open in Cardiff.
O’Sullivan was on target for a perfect 147 break, but instead deliberately played to 146 instead.
He did it in protest at the prize money on offer for the maximum break.
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Video from Snookerroomru.
There is usually a prize on offer to any player who manages a 147 break during a tournament, and for the Welsh competition the prize is £10,000.
Not worth playing for according to O’Sullivan, who double-checked the prize money before opting to play for 146.
The move got a mixed reaction from fans.
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[/raw]Shocking from Ronnie O'Sullivan. Love him to bits however he could of give that 10k to charity if he didn't need it! What a player though.
— AMc (@Andymccabe29) February 15, 2016
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[/raw]#WelshOpen #eurosport #ronnieosullivan
— Norma Snokas (@Norma_Snokas) February 15, 2016
I'm still laughing though! pic.twitter.com/SsKFX7EQ2Q
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[/raw]#welshopen That's is a complete 147 mickey take if ever I saw one #genius #notenoughmoney 146! @Rocket_Fan147 #ronnieosullivan
— Brendan Boyle (@boylie1977) February 15, 2016
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[/raw]#RonnieOsullivan is class potted 5reds & 5blacks then asks the ref whats the prize for max break!! 10k? so hits a break of 146!! #WelshOpen
— Dom Kennett (@Dom1073) February 15, 2016
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[/raw]Normally love Ronnie O'Sullivan, but think it was harsh to deprive the crowd a 147 because he didn't think it was enough money.
— Chris Hunter (@wombat2820) February 15, 2016
O'Sullivan left the arena with a broad grin and then told BBC Wales: "I could have got on the black and possibly made a 147.
"I knew it was 10 grand and I just thought that's a bit too cheap really. To make a maxi, it's such a massive achievement and if they're going to pay us 10 grand, I think it's worth a bit more than that.
"Once the prize goes up a bit, I'll go for the 147. A 146 is just as good!"
The prize for a 147 is calculated on a rollover basis, with £5,000 added to the pot in each tournament. Neil Robertson made the most recent maximum in December's UK Championship final, winning £44,000 including the £4,000 prize for the tournament high break.
