Ronnie O’Sullivan reveals how he would spend $1m prize money if he makes history at Riyadh Season Snooker Championship
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has revealed how he would spent the $1million prize money on offer if he makes history at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship.
The legend is the defending champion of the new tournament in Saudi Arabia.
Launching in March as the World Masters of Snooker, the final saw O’Sullivan beat Luca Brecel 5-2 to claim the £250k jackpot.
Now, the Rocket is looking to fuel his way to victory and bag another quarter-mil.
But there is an even bigger prize on offer for any snooker player who can complete an extraordinary feat.
Saudi chiefs are once again fielding the Golden Ball.
Worth 20 points, it can only be potted at the end of a 147 to create the possibility of a 167 break — the highest in snooker history.
Amazingly, an incredible prize worth $1m (£792k) is on offer for any player who can achieve the feat.
And O’Sullivan has now opened up on what he’d do with the cash.
Speaking in a World Snooker Tour video, The Rocket laughed: “I couldn’t spend a million dollars. (But I would buy) a school.”
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O’Sullivan’s answer was certainly unexpected, with rival Brecel previously revealing he’s so far spent all his snooker earnings on flash cars and a jet-set lifestyle.
But Ronnie is no stranger to educating youngsters in the sport, having opened a snooker academy in Saudi earlier this year.
The facility will help develop the sport’s best talents from around the world.
And O’Sullivan is sure to keep an eagle-eye out for prodigies who could one day match his own achievements.
Speaking at its opening, he said: “Amazing to have opened my own snooker academy here in Riyadh.
“This will be the perfect place to develop future stars locally and globally.”
Inside Ronnie's colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.
Check out all our latest Ronnie O’Sullivan articles.