Ronnie O'Sullivan is "close" to being bigger than snooker, says the sport's chairman Barry Hearn.

O'Sullivan turned down a maximum 147 break at the Welsh Open saying the £10,000 prize money was "too cheap"

He potted 14 reds and 13 blacks before opting for an easier pink as he made a 146 to beat Barry Pinches 4-1.

"Without personality and characters, sport dies," Hearn told BBC Radio 5 live. "O'Sullivan is the biggest character in the sport."

Five-time world champion O'Sullivan had scored 80 in the break when he asked an official what the prize was for the highest break. He also asked the commentary box for information and looked visibly disappointed when told he could win up to £12,000.

The £10,000, boosted by the £2000 on offer for the highest break of the tournament, is a rolling prize fund at ranking events which has not been won since Neil Robertson made a 147 at the UK Championship last year.