Snooker news - Mark Selby criticises World Snooker chief Barry Hearn for lack of 147 prize money

The high-profile invitational tournament features the best snooker players in the world as they compete in a series of groups for a spot in the last four.

And on Thursday, world number one Selby hit only the third maximum of his career, a brilliant clearance in what ultimately proved out to be a losing cause against Neil Robertson.

In most snooker events, and particularly in all World Ranking events, there is a prize pot available for players who hit 147s.

But at the Champion of Champions there is nothing at all on offer, and a disappointed Selby hit out at the sport's chief Barry Hearn after his match, tweeting: "Just thinking what to spend the money on... oh no, I just get a clap, you must be struggling at the moment Barry Hearn. #Timesarehard."

Hearn responded, saying: "No but I’m clapping! Special mention coming at the awards dinner! #proud."

Selby is not the first person to criticise Barry Hearn for how he controls the sport's purse strings.

Earlier this month Ronnie O'Sullivan was highly critical of World Snooker's organisation of the English Open in Crawley, and specifically their decision not to book out the whole of the K2 Leisure Complex for the event, leaving players walking through crowds of swimmers and disrupting bowls matches on their way to the tables.