Fans blast snooker star Higgins’ attempt for historic 167 break and £400,000 prize

JOHN HIGGINS had a chance to win £400,000 which was snatched from him by watching fans.

The snooker star was in the middle of a historic break when he was distracted by some fans walking into his eyeline.

The Scot was distracted by some moving fans as he prepared to make his way to the ‘golden ball’

Higgins couldn't believe it when some fans stopped his attempt to score the first ever 167 break — Higgins couldn’t believe it when some fans stopped his attempt to score the first ever 167 break

The snooker star saw the offending fans in his eyes as he measured his next shot

During the Riyadh season, World Masters Higgins faced Mark Williams when he had the opportunity to pocket the tournament’s “golden ball” for a 167.

The maximum break, which is usually 147, has been increased to 167 at the Saudi tournament, with a prize of £400,000 for the player who can complete the feat and pocket the golden ball to collect the extra points.

The ball is worth a whopping 20 points and Higgins was well on his way to becoming the first player to ever pocket it for 167.

While on a break at 113, Higgins went on to sink the last black to put himself in position for the incredible prize.

But when he tried to find the bag with the black, his concentration was disrupted by some fans walking around in his eye line.

He eventually sank that black (for a 120 break), but the cue ball eventually hit the yellow and the chance was gone.

Higgins tried to cut the yellow ball into the pocket from an almost impossible angle, but his brave effort painfully hit the cushion.

The 48-year-old Scot didn’t seem too upset as he smiled and joked with his opponent after missing the chance to earn himself a tidy payday.

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Although fans seemed much more excited that they couldn’t experience the historic moment.

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There will be many more opportunities for players to try and earn a 167 as the tournament continues until Wednesday’s final.

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But some players are unsure about the controversial ‘golden ball’, while others have weighed up the prize money.

Ronnie O’Sullivan said ahead of the tournament: “What’s the price for a 167? Have they announced it? I’m sure it’ll be a hefty price.”

“Listen, the Saudis can just do whatever they want. They are a powerful outfit.

“Every other sport seems to be doing things in Saudi Arabia, so it will be great to go out there.”