World Snooker and the WPBSA have jointly decided to increase the prizes on offer for a maximum break at this year’s Betfred World Championship.

The bonus for a 147 at the qualifying rounds (April 11 to 18) has been increased from £5,000 to £10,000, while the bonus at the main event at the Crucible (April 21 to May 7) has jumped from £5,000 to £40,000.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “It was fantastic to see two maximum breaks from Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stuart Bingham at least week’s China Open, earning them each £21,000, but of course that dropped the bonus available in the rolling pot to £5,000. The Betfred World Championship is our Blue Riband event so we feel it deserves an extra reward for a 147. A maximum break is such a magical moment – we haven’t seen one at the Crucible since 2012 so we wish all the players the best of luck trying to make one this year.”

There are also high break prizes on offer of £1,000 at the qualifiers and £10,000 at the final stages.