Ronnie O’Sullivan is eyeing a “hefty prize” at Saudi Arabia’s first main snooker match, which may see the world’s first-ever 167 break.
The inaugural Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker will happen in March with seven-time world champion O’Sullivan set to function within the 10-player subject. The match will see the introduction of a twenty third golden ball, referred to as the Riyadh Season ball, which will probably be price 20 factors, however can solely be potted as soon as a most break of 147 has been accomplished.
The thought has offended purists of the game, however the Rocket is intrigued by the prospect of hitting a 167 break as snooker turns into the most recent sport to be lured to the Middle East nation.
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“What’s the prize for a 167? Have they announced it? I’m sure that it will be a hefty prize,” mentioned O’Sullivan, who will head to the Middle East as the recent favorite having captured the Masters and World Grand Prix titles in latest weeks.
The 48-year-old, who has repeatedly spoken of his love of enjoying in China, has no qualms enjoying in Saudi, regardless of the nation’s appalling human rights document and accusations of sportswashing.
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(Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
“Listen, the Saudis can just do what they like,” he mentioned. “They are a powerful outfit. Every other sport seems to be doing stuff in Saudi, so it will be great to go out there.”
Shaun Murphy is one other participant who has urged snooker followers to offer the match an opportunity. The 2005 world champion mentioned: “You should never criticise something unless you’ve tried it. It’s just something different and it’s not the first time the sport has tried new ideas.
“I imagine they [World Snooker Tour] had to make a few concessions to get the event over the line, and the new promoters in Saudi will want their event to stand out and be different. At the end of the day you’d rather have the event than not.”