SNOOKER fans will be watching intently as five Welshmen will play on day two of the Welsh Open Championship.
The Rocket hit a 146 break in protest in Cardiff yesterday
Ronnie O’Sullivan declined a maximum 147 break at the Motorpoint Arena yesterday in protest of the prize money, which he felt was inadequate.
The £10,000 reward, with an addition £2,000 available for the highest break of the day, was not considered enough for the Rocket.
O’Sullivan’s controversial decision has seen a lot of social media attention. In a post-match interview he said the audience didn’t get value for money.
World snooker chairman Barry Hearn said that O’Sullivan is “almost bigger than snooker”. The coverage his protest received yesterday means the viewing public will follow the rest of the competition closely.
Social media users used Twitter to voice their contrasting opinions on O’Sullivan and yesterday’s actions.
#Snooker suffers badly from the O’Sullivan paradox with Ronnie being, by far, the best and the worst thing in the sport today.
— Bows (@jellyhelmet) February 16, 2016
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 147 gesture is a bit rock n roll but surely, he should have potted it + given the money away to charity #snooker
— Mark Williams (@MarkW06) February 16, 2016
Ronnie O’Sullivan is snooker
— Jack Race (@Jackrace_) February 16, 2016
Michael White beat Tom Ford in the early round of games today. The Welshman won 4-3 and will see him through to round three tomorrow.
Day two will also see two-time winner Mark Williams MBE play Rod Lawler. Williams has not won the competition since 1999 but edged a 4-3 win in round one over Lyu Chenwai.
The 2003 UK Championship winner Matthew Stevens is also in action today. He will take on Englishman Martin O’Donnell in round two.
World number 24 Ryan Day will also play after a convincing 4-0 win over Australian Vinnie Calabrese yesterday. The 2008 Grand Prix runner-up plays Mike Dunn tonight.
Daniel Wells, ranked 85 take on Marco Fu who is ranked 72 places higher than the Welshman.
