SHEFFIELD, England (AFP) — Ronnie O'Sullivan compiled a maximum 147 break at the World Championships here on Monday to seal his place in the quarter-finals - and then revealed he expected to lose against fellow ex-champion Mark Williams.
The Englishman saved the best for last with his latest Crucible Theatre maximum coming in the final frame of his 13-7 win.
It was only the seventh maximum break recorded at the Crucible - the gifted O'Sullivan has now struck three of them - and earned him a bonus of 147,000 (294,000 dollars) pounds plus 10,000 pounds (20,000 dollars) for the highest break of the tournament.
O'Sullivan, in an interview on BBC television with six-times world champion Steve Davis, joked: "Is it only 157,000 pounds?
"It was more important to win the game but it gives me a few more choices in the summer. I'll be getting a Bentley GT Convertible now - I've been dying for one," said the Essex cuemaster, who punched the air in delight after his latest stunning break.
"It's never going to be easy against someone from the same era. I know Mark is going through a lean spell but we've had so many tough matches and I always give him maximum respect," added O'Sullivan, widely regarded as the most talented snooker star of his generation.
"He's a fantastic player," O'Sullivan said of his Welsh opponent. "The standard has got so high - but it was a good match to be involved in really."
He added: "The difference between this year and the previous 13 is that I am keeping my discipline and being patient.
"If things go wrong I do not hit completely disastrous standards - and that's the most important thing.
"Now things have turned around my form has come because I know a little bit more about what I'm doing technically."
O'Sullivan, 32, who will face either China's Liang Wenbo or Northern Ireland's Joe Swail in the last eight, is bidding to win the world title for the third time after his 2001 and 2004 triumphs.
"A 147 always feels great and to do one in Sheffield is fantastic. Once the first red went in I made my mind up I wanted to do something," he said.
"I've had three this season which is great, they are a real adrenalin buzz, great for the fans and TV. I do give a bit of value for money, I might not be everyone's cup of tea but I'm pleased I can give back to the game."
He added: "I really did think I was going to get beaten. I expected Mark to really make it count because he's a big game player.
"I had packed my bags because I thought it was one of those games that was going to get away from me."
O'Sullivan, nicknamed 'the Rocket' for his rapid-fire style, has now overtaken Stephen Hendry as snooker's 147, having surpassed the snooker great's record of eight.
Monday's effort was O'Sullivan's third maximum this season after he made 147s in the Northern Ireland Trophy and in the deciding frame of his UK Championship semi-final against Mark Selby.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
