Ronnie O'Sullivan: World-record 147 was memorable, but I knew I wasn't good enough

ByEurosport

Updated 15/10/2020 at 13:05 GMT

Ronnie O'Sullivan produced a moment for the ages back in 1997: compiling a 147 in a record time of five minutes and 20 seconds at the Crucible. It came against Mick Price in round one, but the Rocket would suffer defeat to Darren Morgan in the very next round, leaving him to ponder where he needed to work on his game.

Ronnie O'Sullivan produced a magical 147 in the first round of the World Championship in 1997 but his loss in the very next round left the now six-time world champion pondering where he needed to improve his game.

The Rocket produced the record run in a 10-6 first-round match against Mick Price, and told Colin Murray on Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Joy of Six that the money he earned for that breaks – some £147,000 - was a massive payday.

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“The 147 was memorable because I was young and it was a massive payday for me at the time, I’m not used to seeing pay cheques like that,” began O’Sullivan.

However, O’Sullivan would go on to suffer a deflating loss in the very next round, going down 13-12 to Darren Morgan, prompting O’Sullivan to immediately focus on his ultimate aim, the world title.

“That was obviously quite a memorable moment but then I lost to Darren Morgan, and I obviously just wanted to win the world title.

It is every player’s dream is to win the world title so when I lost to Darren I just came off thinking I need to work on my game. I need to find a certain level so I can compete over three sessions.

O’Sullivan would win his first world title in 2001, overcoming John Higgins in the final.

Best of 2020: O’Sullivan: Famous 147 was huge, but losing in that tournament was far bigger

Eurosport’s exclusive hour-long special ‘Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Joy of Six’ airs Friday 16 October at 10pm on Eurosport 1’

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