Within minutes of snooker supremo Barry Hearn giving a press conference on maintaining and developing the integrity of the game of snooker, snooker's golden idol Ronnie OSullivan was treating the game and its fans with some contempt.

Having got down to the final ball on the table at 140, he was going to leave the arena having not completed a maximum break. Referee Jan Verhass quickly rescued what would have been an embarrassing and difficult situation for the WPBSA, in what has already been a difficult last three months.

Snooker pundits including John Parrot and Steve Davis looked on shocked and aghast as events unfolded. there was even lack of clariity as to whether a handshake represented the end of the match. This is clearly not the way for a top ranking professional to behave.

“I wasn’t going to pot the black to be honest with you, until Jan talked me into it,” O'Sullivan told the BBC.

“What’s the point of making a 147 if they’re only going to give you four grand for it?

“They’re getting stingy. I thought Barry Hearn was meant to be putting money into the game, not taking it out.”

1. Based on Ronnies behaviour today a few things are clear from events today:-
2. Ronnies main motivation is money asking what the prize money is after only two shots. He makes no attempt to put this right in his interview after the match and presents an unrepentent attitude.
3. Mark King could hardly be impressed being treated just as minor player within Ronnies big break.
4. He is not bothered about breaking records after all this would be his tenth 147 in main competitions
5. Ronnie does not really show much empathy for the crowd and paying public. His statement only covers how he feels and he thinks and not what others might like to see.

It is clear that Ronnie is the biggest crowd puller in the current game. This comes with responsibilities. Like many high profile sportspeople OSullivan seems to think he can show disregard and contempt for the people who provide the funding for their lifestyle.

His return to Glasgow would have been really interesting if Jan Verhass had not stepped in. Lets hope Barry Hearn can help the situation before we are faced with more Hurricainesque self destructive antics.

It is one thing have a natural talent and supreme confidence to deliver what most snooker fans dream of but it is another when you choose to defy to meet the expectations of the rank and file fans.

Barry Hearn said "Ronnie has a responsibility, it’s not about money it’s about your responsibility to a sport that pays you a fantastic living and you’ve got to give it your best at all times.

Barry Hearn later made his position clear on TALKSPORT “If he had not potted that ball I think there would have been a disciplinary charge against Ronnie for bringing the game into disrepute, it’s a serious matter. Fortunately he did and hopefully with a night’s sleep he can look at it and say that there’s certain things he owes the game as well.”