World number one Judd Trump has dismissed the $1 million bonus on offer for making snooker’s first-ever 167 break at this week’s Riyadh Season Championship, claiming the prize isn’t enough to make him focus on achieving it.
However, Ronnie O’Sullivan has thrown his support behind the Saudi innovation and is doing his best to become the first winner.
“If it was $10million I’d go all out for it. $1million is a lot of money, but it wouldn’t really change my life at the moment,” Trump said ahead of the Saudi Arabia event.
The top-ranked player insisted he would rather concentrate on winning frames and the tournament than take risks pursuing the historic break.
Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump have different views on the $1million ‘167’ bonus
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“I’d enjoy the winning a lot more,” Trump added, suggesting other players might be more interested in chasing the excitement.
The innovative golden ball concept at the Riyadh Championship offers players a chance to make history by achieving snooker’s first 167 break.
The golden ball, worth 20 points, can only be attempted after completing a maximum 147 break.
The successful player would pocket $1 million (£786,650) for the unprecedented achievement.
The tournament, which begins on Wednesday, introduces this unique scoring opportunity to the sport’s elite players.
“The first one is going to be special,” Trump acknowledged. “You can’t take anything away from someone who does it down the line, but that first one is always going to be remembered.”
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In stark contrast to Trump’s stance, Ronnie O’Sullivan has been actively preparing for the golden ball challenge.
“I’ve tried potting the black and going up to the baulk cushion to get the golden ball,” O’Sullivan revealed.
“I’ve practiced a few of them shots because obviously if you get the chance you want to give yourself a good chance of getting that last ball.”
The ‘Rocket’ remains cautious about the likelihood of success, however.
“It’s a big ask,” he said. “I’m sure someone will have an opportunity to get it.”
O’Sullivan highlighted the unprecedented nature of the prize, noting: “Big prize. $1m. No one’s ever won a prize like that in snooker ever before.”
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Ronnie O’Sullivan has admitted it is a ‘big ask’ to win the Saudi bonus
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Former world champion Ken Doherty expressed optimism about the possibility of witnessing a 167 break at the tournament.
“If somebody wins that golden ball prize, that would be amazing, what a Christmas present that would be!” Doherty told Metro.
He believes the presence of the world’s top 10 players increases the likelihood of success.
“The 147 always has a good chance, with the likes of Ronnie and Judd, the best players in the world they’ve always got a chance of the 147,” he said.
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Judd Trump said the bonus would not change his life much
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Doherty added that the substantial prize money would encourage players to attempt the feat: “I think with the pot of gold waiting for them, once they’ve potted one or two reds and blacks it will be on their mind.”
Despite his reluctance to chase the $1 million bonus, Trump acknowledged the historic significance of achieving snooker’s first 167 break.
“The first one is going to be special,” he said. “It will be some history and create some serious headlines.”
The tournament begins Wednesday with the world’s elite players divided on their approach to the golden ball challenge.
While Trump maintains his focus on tournament victory, others like O’Sullivan and Doherty see the potential for making history with the unprecedented break.
The stage is set for what could be a defining moment in snooker, whether Trump participates in the chase or not.
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