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.

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Ronnie O’Sullivan won the World Grand Prix last Sunday[/caption]

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.

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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.”

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O’Sullivan, 48, has not lost since November[/caption]