Ronnie O’Sullivan and the rest of the field at the World Masters of Snooker have got their sights set on being the first to make a 167 break and pocket the enormous prize that goes with it.
Snooker’s first trip to Saudi Arabia has brought with it a new gimmick, with the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker featuring a gold ball.
The golden orb will be on the table from the start of frames but is only available to be potted legally after someone has made a 147 break, it is then worth 20 points, meaning a player can make a 167.
It’s a publicity stunt but one that the players are fully getting behind as the first person to make a 167 will win a $500,000 (£395,000) prize.
With no ranking points on the line in the tournament, making the first 167 will be a priority for those involved, especially as the bonus is more than the winner’s prize of £250,000.
On the prospect of being the first to pot the gold ball, O’Sullivan said: ‘To try and make a maximum and then try and pot this golden ball and hopefully scoop up a big prize. That will be exciting for the players.’
World champion Luca Brecel admitted it will change how players approach frames, more likely to focus on making a maximum early on than they would normally.
‘I will even sacrifice a frame to go for it,’ said the Bullet. ‘Play a risky shot to get back on the black. That’s definitely going to happen, maybe even the other player as well.’
John Higgins, a late call-up to the event as it was expanded to 12 players over the weekend, added: ‘Everybody will be having a crack at trying to be the first person who has potted the golden ball.’
Judd Trump has been practicing the unusual shot of getting from the black on its spot to the gold, which starts the frame in the centre of the baulk cushion and will likely be in the same place to land the 167.
‘I think everyone is intrigued by what’s going to happen and I’m sure everyone wants to be the first one to achieve the break,’ he said.
MORE : Saudi Arabia’s World Masters of Snooker draw, schedule, prize money, TV, golden ball and 167 break
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