'Ronnie brings the game into fine repute' - snooker player backed over £10,000 'too cheap' snub

Sports promoter Barry Hearn backs Ronnie O'Sullivan's decision to turn down a maximum break opportunity at the Welsh Open in Cardiff this week.

O'Sullivan potted an easier pink en route to his eventual clearance of 146 and said afterwards he thought the £12,000 total prize money on offer was "too cheap".

Hearn, chairman of snooker's world governing body, said O'Sullivan had not broken any rules and conceded his unpredictability helps give the sport a higher profile.

O'Sullivan had made a break of 80 and he asked an official and members of the commentary box what the prize was for a maximum break.

To the groans of some in the audience, he then proceeded to play for the pink instead of an eminently available black off the 14th red before clearing the rest of the balls.

O'Sullivan said later: