Ali Carter has chosen to remain silent regarding his public feud with snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, following a foul-mouthed rant from O’Sullivan earlier this year at the Masters.
A History of Tension
Once practice partners in their youth, Carter and O’Sullivan have had a tumultuous relationship over the years. Their fallout became publicly evident during the 2018 World Championship when O’Sullivan barged into Carter during a match. This tension resurfaced at the Masters final this year, with Carter accusing O’Sullivan of inappropriate behavior during the match at Alexandra Palace.
The Masters Incident
After O’Sullivan secured a 10-7 victory in the Masters final, he lashed out at Carter, suggesting he needed to “sort his f*****g life out” and describing him as a “nightmare” to play against. Carter, choosing not to engage in the feud, has remained mostly silent on the matter, opting to avoid further confrontation.
Carter’s Perspective
Speaking on Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips, Carter revealed his decision to distance himself from the drama. Jokingly stating that O’Sullivan’s name was banned from his snooker room, Carter emphasized his disinterest in the ongoing feud. “I hold no malice now really. I’m not around him enough for him to feature in my life. We know he’s a great snooker player and all that, but as regards to anything else, I couldn’t tell you. I let people make their own minds up,” Carter shared. “Whatever you say, the staunch Ronnie fans will always slaughter you. I choose to keep my mouth shut.”
Reflecting on Their Past
Carter reminisced about their early days of practicing together. “We used to practice together loads when I was 16, 17, just turning pro. He used to come over to Witham, and he played there every day for quite a few months as far as I can remember, and we were practicing together.” Carter acknowledged O’Sullivan’s role in his early career success, mentioning how their relationship changed as Carter became more competitive. “The more competitive I got, the more the relationship sort of – not went wrong because that’s not the right word – it’s difficult to describe. But, when all of a sudden we’re competitors, I’d find times where he wouldn’t say hello.”
Moving Forward
Despite the past tensions, Carter seems to have found peace with the situation, focusing on his own career and avoiding further public disputes. By choosing silence, Carter maintains his professional demeanor and continues to let his snooker skills speak for themselves.
