Top players now have the chance to win a huge £147,000 bonus this season, but they will have to make two maximum breaks across snooker’s three biggest events to get their hands on the cash.
As 147 breaks have become more regular in recent years specific bonuses for the maximum break have largely disappeared, with just a high break prize at most events.
However, a 147 bonus of sorts has returned, with £147,000 on the line if anyone can make two maximums across the UK Championship, Masters and World Championship his season.
That is a big ask, but not entirely out of the question as it has been done before by – you guessed it – Ronnie O’Sullivan.
The Rocket knocked in a maximum in the 2007 UK Championship against Mark Selby and then four months later made a 147 against Mark Williams at the World Championship.
O’Sullivan may have proved that it is possible, but it is not very likely and anyone who does land the bonus will very much deserve it.
The Masters has proved especially tough to make maximum breaks in, with just three in the history of the event, which is probably not that surprising as there are just 15 matches in the tournament each year.
World Snooker Tour Chairman Steve Dawson said: ‘There is nothing quite as exhilarating in snooker as a maximum break, those moments bring us to the edge of our seats. And we’re making that achievement all the more special this season during our Triple Crown events.
‘We’d love to see at least one player make a 147 at the MrQ UK Championship which would give them two more tournaments to chase the bonus. Last season we saw maximums from Kyren Wilson and Mark Selby at the Crucible – imagine the thrill if there was an extra £147,000 on the line!
‘The skill level in snooker now is higher than ever and we expect this new prize will give the players extra motivation to go for maximum breaks.’
WST add: ‘Up to three players could win this bonus, for example if three different players each made two 147s then they would each win £147,000. Or if one player made six maximums then he would bank £441,000.’
MORE : Judd Trump on fine form, harsh judgement, the world champion and nobody caring
MORE : John Higgins relishing chance for revenge on Mark Allen at Champion of Champions
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
