Watch Ronnie O’Sullivan throw away a 147 break in protest

Ronnie O’Sullivan is not afraid of controversy and has stirred things up today while playing in the Wales Open in Cardiff.

O’Sullivan was on target for a perfect 147 break, but instead deliberately played to 146 instead.

He did it in protest at the prize money on offer for the maximum break.

Video from Snookerroomru.

There is usually a prize on offer to any player who manages a 147 break during a tournament, and for the Welsh competition the prize is £10,000.

Not worth playing for according to O’Sullivan, who double-checked the prize money before opting to play for 146.

The move got a mixed reaction from fans.

#WelshOpen #eurosport #ronnieosullivan
I'm still laughing though! pic.twitter.com/SsKFX7EQ2Q

— Lisa (@BumbBumbs) February 15, 2016

#RonnieOsullivan is class potted 5reds & 5blacks then asks the ref whats the prize for max break!! 10k? so hits a break of 146!! #WelshOpen

— Dominic Kennett (@DomKennettLFC) February 15, 2016

Normally love Ronnie O'Sullivan, but think it was harsh to deprive the crowd a 147 because he didn't think it was enough money.

— Chris Hunter (@chrishunter2820) February 15, 2016

O'Sullivan left the arena with a broad grin and then told BBC Wales: "I could have got on the black and possibly made a 147.

"I knew it was 10 grand and I just thought that's a bit too cheap really. To make a maxi, it's such a massive achievement and if they're going to pay us 10 grand, I think it's worth a bit more than that.

"Once the prize goes up a bit, I'll go for the 147. A 146 is just as good!"

The prize for a 147 is calculated on a rollover basis, with £5,000 added to the pot in each tournament. Neil Robertson made the most recent maximum in December's UK Championship final, winning £44,000 including the £4,000 prize for the tournament high break.