Irish Masters sees maximum from the Rocket

Ronnie O’Sullivan turned on the style to pocket a magnificent maximum 147 break at the Kilkenny Irish Masters.

The Rocket’s memorable feat was only the second 147 break in a professional tournament in Ireland.

But in a bitter twist to his impressive total clearance, the two-time world champion later found out he had not won a car as he first thought.

Tournament organisers had promised a car to any player who pocketed a 147 break, but withdrew their offer claiming they had not been able to gain adequate insurance for the new vehicle.

“I only went for the maximum because I thought I was going to win a car, but now I’ve found out I’m not going to win one, I’m gutted!” said this year’s SAGA Insurance Masters champion.

“I had a difficult double when I was on 72, but once that went in I felt really confident.

“It was a good atmosphere out there. The crowd went mad for the 147 – and it’s nice to make a boost to the new tournament.”

O’Sullivan fired in the seventh 147 of his career in a 5-4 quarter-final victory over Joe Swail at the Ormonde Hotel – and knows two more wins would see him claim this year’s £13,500 prize-winners cheque.

And his disappointment at missing out on a car was slightly eased when tournament organisers said he would win £1,350 for the highest-break prize.

“Well at least it’s a bit of spending money,” quipped the Rocket.

O’Sullivan will lock horns with John Higgins in tonight’s semi-finals after the Wishaw potter beat world champion Graeme Dott 5-4 in their quarter-final clash.

Meanwhile, Beckenham potter Barry Hawkins upset seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry with a 5-2 win, while Irishman Fergal O’Brien kept local interest alive with a 5-0 whitewash of fellow countryman Ken Doherty. Hawkins and O’Brien meet in the second of this year’s semis.