Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ali Carter Put Rivalry Aside with Heartfelt Handshake
In a touching display of sportsmanship, snooker rivals Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ali Carter put their differences aside with a warm handshake before their World Snooker Championship clash. The pair, who have a long-standing feud, were drawn in the opening round of the historic tournament.
According to The Sun, O’Sullivan, 48, and Carter, 45, have a well-documented rivalry that has been simmering for years. The tension between them reached boiling point at the 2024 Masters final, where O’Sullivan shoulder barged his rival in a shocking display of aggression. As reported by The Sun, Carter alleged that O’Sullivan had also engaged in unsportsmanlike behaviour during the match, claiming that the seven-time world champion had violently cleared his nose and labelled him "disgusting".
Despite their troubled past, O’Sullivan and Carter showed a rare display of respect and kindness towards each other before their match at the Crucible. In a departure from his usual tradition of fist-bumping his opponents, O’Sullivan extended a handshake to Carter, who sportingly accepted the offer. The moment was captured by cameras and described by co-commentator Stephen Hendry, who said: "They shook hands, not the normal fist bump that Ronnie gives. Quite a warm handshake. That’s good to see."
The handshake was a significant gesture, given the history between the two players. As The Sun reports, O’Sullivan and Carter used to be close practice partners when they were teenagers in Essex. However, their friendship began to deteriorate after Carter got the better of O’Sullivan at the 2018 World Snooker Championship. Recalling the incident, Carter said: "I’m thinking, ‘Does he want me to get out of the way?’ I was aware there was no giving way. The referee said, ‘Calm down lads’ and I did play a bit of a game."
In an interview with Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips, Carter added: "He used to come over to Witham and we practised together. When, all of a sudden, we’re competitors, I’d find times where he wouldn’t say hello. I don’t know too much about him. I hold no malice now. I’m not around him enough for him to feature in my life."
The World Snooker Championship is one of the most prestigious events in the snooker calendar, and O’Sullivan’s participation is always highly anticipated. As The Sun notes, the seven-time world champion is known for his exceptional skill and competitive spirit, which has earned him a huge following among fans. Despite his rivalry with Carter, O’Sullivan remains focused on his goal of winning the championship.
As reported by The Sun, O’Sullivan’s rivalry with Carter is not the only notable feud in the world of snooker. The sport has a rich history of intense rivalries, with players like Mark Williams and John Higgins having a long-standing competitive relationship. However, the tension between O’Sullivan and Carter is particularly notable, given their history and on-table confrontations.
The handshake between O’Sullivan and Carter serves as a reminder that even the fiercest of rivals can put their differences aside and show respect for one another. As The Sun notes, the World Snooker Championship is a celebration of the sport, and moments like this remind fans of the importance of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
In conclusion, the World Snooker Championship is off to a thrilling start, with Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ali Carter’s handshake setting the tone for a memorable tournament. As The Sun reports, fans around the world will be watching with bated breath as the competition heats up, and it’s clear that this year’s championship will be one to remember.
The rivalry between O’Sullivan and Carter will undoubtedly be a major storyline throughout the tournament, and The Sun will be providing comprehensive coverage of all the action from the Crucible. With expert analysis and commentary, fans can stay up-to-date with all the latest developments from the World Snooker Championship.
Ultimately, the handshake between O’Sullivan and Carter serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and respect that defines the world of snooker. As The Sun notes, the sport is about more than just competition – it’s about the relationships and rivalries that make it so compelling.
