World Snooker chief Barry Hearn criticises Ronnie O'Sullivan for turning down 147 chance

ByEurosport

Updated 15/02/2016 at 21:08 GMT

Barry Hearn has described Ronnie O'Sullivan's refusal to make a 147 maximum break at the Welsh Open in Cardiff as "unacceptable" and "disrespectful".

Barry Hearn

Image credit: AFP

Masters champion O'Sullivan had run in 80 during his match-winning break in the fifth frame of his 4-1 win over world number 82 Barry Pinches in the first round when he asked the referee what the prize was for the highest break.

He appeared to give a rueful smile when he learned the maximum total on offer was £12,000 (£10,000 for the maximum and £2,000 for the highest break).

[STORY: O'Sullivan rejects chance to make maximum because 'prize not worthy of a 147']

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He had potted 14 reds and 13 blacks before deciding to pot an easier pink on his way to recording a 146 break.

Ronnie O'Sullivan turns down 147 in protest

"I could have done it, but I didn't think the prize was worthy of a 147. So I've tried to let it build up until it's worthy and then go for it," he said..

"It's like going into a Mercedes garage and when they say that you can have the car for £3,000, you reply, 'No way, that's too cheap. I'm not buying it for that."

Those comments brought a stiff rebuke from World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn with a number of bookmakers deciding to pay out on a 147 break.

"This is not a crime, but a shame," the BBC quote Hearn as saying.

"Players have a duty to the fans to deliver the best standard and entertainment they can.