I made snooker history without even leaving my chair before retiring to become a maths teacher
MICK PRICE is part of snooker folklore after a famous moment that he did not even get out of his seat for.
The 1997 World Snooker Championship is etched in the memory of fans and players alike.
But few remember it like Price does, as he had a front row seat for a piece of snooker history.
He exited the tournament in the first round following a 10-6 defeat to Ronnie O’Sullivan, who hit the fastest ever 147 on his way to victory.
It took The Rocket just five minutes and eight seconds to achieve the feat.
O’Sullivan pocketed £147,000 and Price had his named etched in snooker history.
He said of the moment in an interview with The Independent: “I made a decent break and he played safe, and with my next safety shot I cut it a bit thin. Five minutes and eight seconds later, I’m in the Guinness Book of Records.
“It’s funny, because in the club you want people watching you, but playing at the Crucible it becomes nerve-racking. So I went a little bit more nervous, and Ronnie just went hyper.
“I couldn’t believe how fast he was going. I watch it back now and he was running round the table, it was ridiculous, just brilliant, mesmeric.”
Many, including Price, doubt O’Sullivan’s record will ever be beaten.
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He averaged just 8.8 seconds per shot and Price joked he thought his opponent would “explode”.
Price told the BBC: “I thought he was going to explode, or spontaneously combust.
“He was absolutely running around. It was phenomenal.
“5 minutes 8 seconds. I mean I know he’s done it in exhibitions maybe quicker but no, I can’t see anyone ever beating it.
“At the Crucible as well – you’re meant to get nervous aren’t you?”
Price, 58, reached the Crucible three times before retiring from professional snooker in 2004.
After hanging up his cue he became a maths teacher at Castlewood School for children with special educational needs in Solihull.