Ronnie O’Sullivan sets sight on unique 167 break as snooker legend says ‘what’s the money? I’m sure it’s a hefty prize’
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN would love to attempt a unique 167 break — that is provided the price is right.
The Rocket will be the main attraction when the controversial Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker takes place in March.
To raise the event’s profile, against a backdrop of sportswashing accusations, a crass 20-point ‘Gold Ball’ will be available for those who are on a 147 maximum break.
This tinkering of the rules has angered the sport’s traditionalists — but the world No 1 is more interested in the cash incentive for compiling such a big break.
O’Sullivan mused: “What’s the prize for a 167? Have they announced it? I’m sure that it will be a hefty prize.
“Listen, the Saudis can just do what they like. They are a powerful outfit.
“Every other sport seems to be doing stuff in Saudi, so it will be great to go out there.”
Before a well-earned rest — he has pretty much lived out of a suitcase since November — O’Sullivan heads to Barnsley today.
After winning Sunday’s World Grand Prix by beating Judd Trump 10-7, the Rocket faces world No 98 Alfie Burden in a qualifier.
The winner books a spot in the World Open first round in Yushan, China, in March.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Then all roads lead to the Crucible and O’Sullivan should crush everyone in his path at the World Championship starting in April.
His form has been exemplary — he has not lost since November 11 — and he is clear favourite, regardless of what deflection tactics he may employ. That astonishing semi-final dismantling of Ding Junhui is evidence that, even at 48, his best is better than the rest.
On the 6-1 thumping of Ding, O’Sullivan said: “That was just a one-off. Everyone was getting excited about it. I said to my mate, ‘Out of 700 days, I’ve probably done one or two good performances’.
“It’s nice to know it is still in there. I sometimes wonder why I don’t do that more often but I still haven’t changed my stance.
“I’m not playing to the level or consistency. It’s just a bit untidy, to be honest.
“That’s what stops me from enjoying the game. I’m having to battle.
“Sheffield is a different animal. When you’re playing the same opponent over three or four sessions, you don’t really get that reset feeling — you just have to plod along.
“At the moment there’s not a lot of plodding. It’s either really awful or really good.
“To win in Sheffield, apart from my win there in 2020, steady gets the job done.
“If I can find a bit of steadiness then, yeah, I have got a chance.”