The head of World Snooker Barry Hearn has responded to Ronnie O'Sullivan's refusal of a 147 at the Welsh Open yesterday.
In the event you missed it, O'Sullivan was set for a maximum 147 break in his first round in Cardiff, only to refuse it and break for a 146 in protest at the £10,000 reward.
O'Sullivan's decision caused much controversy among supporters, with many aghast that O'Sullivan rejected money that could have been donated to charity while others complained that it was unfair to deny the crowd the opportunity to witness a maximum break.
From our point of view, we would find Ronnie refusing a maximum break more memorable than his execution of one.
Our favourite reaction, however, came from this Balls.ie reader:
Hearn has taken to twitter to comment on the issue, telling fans that he considers O'Sullivan's decision to be a shame:
@Relmo_21 @ronnieo147 @Huwm888 Its up to Ronnie as I don't play his shots for him ! If 10 k doesn't mean anything then I'm sorry for him.
— Barry Hearn (@BarryHearn) February 15, 2016
@Relmo_21 @ronnieo147 @Huwm888 Great entertainers entertain. It's what they were born to do . Money doesn't really come into it.
— Barry Hearn (@BarryHearn) February 15, 2016
@lailarouass @Relmo_21 @ronnieo147 @Huwm888 Most people don't understand 10 k not meaning anything ! Fact is we have a lot of 147 breaks
— Barry Hearn (@BarryHearn) February 15, 2016
@lailarouass @Relmo_21 @ronnieo147 @Huwm888 and the Prizemoney reflects that. It's a shame that punters who buy tickets and tv fans who
— Barry Hearn (@BarryHearn) February 15, 2016
@lailarouass @Relmo_21 @ronnieo147 @Huwm888 watch did not have the pleasure of seeing a maximum break. Players have a duty to the fans to
— Barry Hearn (@BarryHearn) February 15, 2016
@lailarouass @Relmo_21 @ronnieo147 @Huwm888 deliver the best standard and entertainment they can. Anything less than playing to your best
— Barry Hearn (@BarryHearn) February 15, 2016
@lailarouass @Relmo_21 @ronnieo147 @Huwm888 ability is unacceptable and disrespectful to the paying public. This is not crime but a shame.
— Barry Hearn (@BarryHearn) February 15, 2016
