Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ali Carter Reconcile Ahead of World Snooker Championship Grudge Match
In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ali Carter put their past differences aside, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries before their highly anticipated first-round clash at the World Snooker Championship. The duo, who have been embroiled in a heated feud for nearly seven years, appeared to have put their animosity behind them, at least for the duration of their match.
According to an article by the Daily Express, Carter walked out just ahead of O’Sullivan before their scheduled 2.30pm start, sparking concerns that they may have deliberately avoided each other. However, a camera positioned high above the table captured a moment of mutual respect between the two players, as O’Sullivan smiled and extended his hand to greet Carter. The pair shook hands and exchanged a few words before turning their attention to the match.
The feud between O’Sullivan and Carter has been well-documented, with the two players engaging in several heated exchanges over the years. At the 2018 World Championship, a spiky confrontation saw both players engage in several heated conversations, culminating in O’Sullivan delivering a shoulder barge to Carter as they walked past each other at the baize. More recently, Carter accused O’Sullivan of blowing his nose on the floor at the Masters, sparking a furious response from the Essex star.
As reported by the Daily Express, Carter said: "There were a couple of things that happened out there that go unnoticed. Well, they don’t go unnoticed but anyone with an eyesight or a brain can see what’s going on. And it’s disgusting quite frankly. No one wants to say anything, do they? Snotting all over the floor and all that. I mean it’s outrageous behaviour from a top professional. If it gets swept under the carpet then for me, it’s not good."
O’Sullivan did not hold back in his response, as quoted in the Daily Express: "He needs to sort his fing life out. I’m not going to skirt around it anymore, tip-toeing on eggshells around someone like that. He’s a fing nightmare. Playing snooker against someone like that is a nightmare. He’s not a nice person. It’s not a nice vibe he leaves around the table. I’ve said my piece, I don’t give a s***. I’ve said it now, done. You know what he’s like, everybody knows what he’s like. He’s got issues."
However, in a more conciliatory tone, O’Sullivan told the BBC, as reported by the Daily Express: “It was probably just heat of the moment stuff at the time. I’ve always said that I wished I wouldn’t have said what I said but I can’t take it back. It’s kind of out in the open. Neither of us really think much about it.” This sentiment was echoed by Carter, who also shared positive words about O’Sullivan ahead of their World Championship reunion.
The World Snooker Championship is one of the most prestigious events in the sport, and the matchup between O’Sullivan and Carter was highly anticipated. While their past differences are undeniable, it appears that both players are committed to putting their animosity behind them, at least for the duration of the tournament. As the competition heats up, fans will be eagerly watching to see how this grudge match unfolds.
The Daily Express has been a leading source of news and updates on this story, providing in-depth coverage of the World Snooker Championship and the rivalry between O’Sullivan and Carter.
