The snooker star was on for a historic 167 break when he was distracted by some fans walking in his eye-line.

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During the Riyadh Season World Masters Higgins was facing off against Mark Williams when he had a chance to pot 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 £400,000 prize for the player who can complete the feat and pot the golden ball to bank the extra points.

The ball is worth a staggering 20 points and Higgins was well on his way to being the first player to ever pot it for the 167.

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

But as he attempted to find the pocket with the black his concentration was broken by a number of fans walking around in his eye-line.

He did eventually sink that black (for a 120 break) but the cue ball ended up touching the yellow and the chance had gone.

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

Although fans seemed much more wound up that they didn’t get to witness the historic moment.

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One took to X to write: “Higgins misses out on the 167 because of idiots walking around at the most vital point of the match!! Such a shame.”

There will be plenty more opportunities for players to try and earn themselves a 167 with the tournament continuing until Wednesday’s final.

But some players have been left unsure about the controversial “gold ball” while others have been weighing up the prize money.

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

“Listen, the Saudis can just do what they like. They are a powerful outfit.

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