The $1 Million Snooker Question: Trophy or Golden Ball?
A unique dilemma is captivating the snooker world at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship this week. While the tournament winner will receive a prestigious title and £250,000, an unprecedented $1 million (£760,000) bonus is on offer for a different, historic achievement: potting the golden ball to complete snooker's first-ever 167 break.
The special golden ball, worth 20 points, comes into play only after a player has successfully made a maximum 147 break. This opens the possibility for a 167 total clearance, a feat never before accomplished in professional play. Despite two previous editions of this Saudi Arabian tournament, the golden ball remains elusive, with John Higgins coming closest by making 120 before his break ended on the yellow.
Champion's Pride Versus Historic Wealth
The snooker elite are sharply divided on what they would prefer: lifting the trophy or making history and claiming the largest financial prize the sport has ever seen.
World number one Judd Trump stands firmly in the camp of competitive glory. "I'd still rather win the tournament," Trump stated. "It's a different feeling, it's obviously special, but the feeling of winning the tournament and the confidence it would give for the UK [Championship], that would be better at this point."
In stark opposition, the legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan values the historic break over another tournament victory. "I'd rather get the big break. I mean, I won the tournament before and it's great to win the tournament, but to get the 167 I think that'd be amazing," O'Sullivan explained. He added a note of scepticism, saying, "I don't think anyone will do it, if that's my personal opinion. I'd be happy to be wrong."
Veteran Players Back the Big Money Break
The experienced members of the Class of '92 unanimously favour pursuing the golden ball, with Mark Williams delivering the most straightforward assessment. "I'd rather get a 167 first frame, pull out and go home. I hope that answers your question," Williams declared.
John Higgins, who came agonisingly close to the bonus in previous attempts, was surprised anyone would choose differently. "Oh, no, no, I'd rather just win 167. 167, no, that'll do me," Higgins said. He put the prize into perspective by comparing it to other achievements: "That's equivalent to winning three tournaments, isn't it? Yeah, Judd will learn, I'm sure, now that he gets a bit older."
Higgins highlighted the incredible value proposition, noting it would represent "a crazy sum of money to win... just for 10 minutes' work, 10 minutes out of your life." He contrasted this with the World Championship, which requires "17 days of tortuous snooker to win half a million pounds."
Despite the differing priorities, Trump believes this could be the year the 167 break is finally achieved, particularly pointing to O'Sullivan's form after he made two 147s in the same game during the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters earlier this season. "With Ronnie coming in the earlier rounds this year, that gives him more opportunities," Trump noted. "I think someone will go close this year."
The tournament continues with matches throughout the week, building toward the final on Friday, November 21, where either a new champion will be crowned or snooker history could be made with that elusive golden ball pot.
