Judd Trump has told snooker bosses to reward 147s - as he didn't earn a penny for achieving the special feat against Ronnie O'Sullivan.
The Juddernaut struck a magical 147 maximum break in the eighth frame against O'Sullivan in the Champions of Champions final. Trump's 147 fuelled a stirring comeback as he trailed 7-6 after falling 6-1 behind in the Bolton showdown.
But world No.1 O'Sullivan was imperious as he stormed to a 10-6 triumph with his own exquisite display of break-building. The Rocket sealed his fourth win in just 10 editions of the elite invitational event.
Talk in the aftermath of O'Sullivan's latest victory centred around the 46-year-old's failure to acknowledge Trump's 147 with a fist bump or handshake. Trump was irked by O'Sullivan's decision to remain in his seat, insisting he should have done the 'normal thing' by showing approval for his achievement.
And Trump also believes organisers must incentivise players attempting snooker perfection by adding a financial reward for a maximum. The 2019 world champion claimed £60,000 as runner-up, but received nothing for his 147 under the events rules.
He has urged those in charge to implement a minimum £10,000 147 prize in events of such magnitude. "In any tournament you should be rewarded for making a 147, whether it is money or some kind of other reward. It is such a special feeling and moment, you can tell by the way the crowd reacts and every maximum is special wherever it is," Trump said.
“In a big tournament like this the minimum should probably be around £10,000 to £15,000 mainly to incentivise the players to even go for them. It is good for the fans if they see them, and there is always good publicity for the tournament. With this one I knew there was no reward, but making 147s is just something I want to do anyway.
The Champion of Champions, run by the promoter Matchroom, is one of the most prestigious events on the snooker calendar, but holds no 147 prize. Players who achieve the feat in the World Championship at the Crucible can pocket a cool £40,000, but maximums do not always carry a special prize on tour.
And while Trump was thrilled to make only the second 147 in the event, he was frustrated that he could not match his performances from the rest of the tournament to take O'Sullivan the distance.
“Nothing really matches that buzz, so that’s great – but it would be good to get a reward as well, and more players would go for it when the frame is won or nearly won. The 147 was a good one, even from the first red it wasn’t easy to get on the black - I ended up with a tough black to the middle pocket, and there a few chances to play for other colours.
“Overall to play that badly in the final bar the 147 when you have played so well in the rest of the tournament was a bit annoying.”
