Ronnie O'Sullivan with a very Ronnie O'Sullivan way of protesting the Welsh Open prize-pool today.

Ronnie O'Sullivan with a very Ronnie O'Sullivan way of protesting the Welsh Open prize-pool today.

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN today claimed he passed up the opportunity to hit a 147 maximum break in the opening round of the Welsh Open because the £10,000 (€13,000) prize was “too cheap.”

On his way to a comfortable 4-1 win over Barry Pinches, the five-time world champion was cruising to what would have been his 14th career 147 after 13 perfect red and black combinations.

However, after potting his 14th red, the world number five played onto the pink ball instead of the black, before clearing up to the rest for a unique 146 break.

Speaking to BBC Wales after the first round game, O’Sullivan — who has made 11% of all 147s recorded in professional competition — said:

“I could have got on the black and possibly made a 147.

“I knew it was £10,000 and I just thought that’s a bit too cheap really. To make a max, it’s such a massive achievement and if they’re going to pay us £10,000, 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.”

You can watch the break here: