“RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has claimed he would rather secure the 167 break than win the World Masters of Snooker. The Rocket, 49, is in Riyadh this week for the chance to bank a $1million (£760,000) bonus by potting the 20-point Gold Ball. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Ronnie O’Sullivan said he would rather”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
The Rocket, 49, is in Riyadh this week for the chance to bank a $1million (£760,000) bonus by potting the 20-point Gold Ball.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan said he would rather pot the golden ball than win the World Masters of SnookerCredit: Getty 
The Rocket said it would be an “amazing achievement” if he could pocket the $1m bonusCredit: PA The golden ball can only be sunk once all other balls have been successfully cleared from the table.
The new ball was brought in by Saudi chiefs hoping to make snooker more alluring to new fans.
Last year players were offered $500,000 (£395,000) to pot the golden ball, before officials doubled the prize pot for this year’s tournament.
O’Sullivan said he had the prize in his sights and would rather seal it than win the tournament itself.
He said: “I’d rather get the big break. I mean I won the tournament before and it’s great to win the tournament.
“But to get the 167 I think that’d be amazing. An amazing achievement if anybody could do it.
“Someone said there’s been 14 147s this year. So that’s a hell of a lot. But to get that golden ball, that’s the true test.
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“I don’t think anyone will do it, if that’s my personal opinion. I’d be happy to be wrong.”
The world No 5 will either play Shaun Murphy or Saudi star Ziyad Alqabbani in the second round.
O’Sullivan also spoke of his admiration for Rory McIlroy and how he handles pressure on and off the course.
He met the 36-year-old at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and he said he was motivated by how McIlroy pushed himself to win the highest honours in golf.
O’Sullivan said: “You watch him on TV, you want to see him do well, but after meeting him, I found myself rooting for him to do well.
“Because he’s a big star and it was nice for him to take the time out from his practice session just to have a little chat.
“He’s a serious guy, he’s just not there to make the numbers. There’s a lot of pressure on him and he wants to do well. You can recognise that in him.
“I think he needs a challenge sometimes. Sometimes it’s like, okay, I’ve got to get an eagle here and that’s what turns him on.
“I suppose when you’ve won everything that he’s won in the game, it’s sometimes hard to keep getting up for it, but situations can inspire you.”