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SNooker’s most intense rivalry unfolds — characterized by shoulder checks, inappropriate language, confrontational exchanges, gestures, and allegedly rude conduct.
Years ago, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ali Carter trained together as close practice partners, nurturing dreams of victory at the Crucible during their teenage years in Essex.
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However, that chapter is now in the past, with their relationship often boiling over dramatically.
This afternoon, O’Sullivan, at 49 years old, faces his long-time rival in the first round of the World Snooker Championship.
A notable feature of the tournament’s preliminary rounds is that players must sit next to each other in small booths — marking the closest they have been in years.
Considered the GOAT of snooker, the Rocket has emerged victorious in 24 of their 27 encounters, which include wins in the world finals of 2008 and 2012.
Carter, once labeled Mr. Angry by O’Sullivan, managed to defeat his rival in Sheffield in 2018, winning 13-9 in a match that became physical.
The 45-year-old Carter humorously noted that “Ronnie is a prohibited name” in his snooker room and recounted, “We bumped shoulders. There was plenty of room. I was left wondering if he wanted me to move. I sensed neither of us was prepared to give way.
“The referee interjected, ‘calm down, lads,’ and I played a bit of a psychological game.
“I decided not to let him have the final word. He claimed he was ‘cool as a cucumber,’ but he looked like he was ready to explode; he appeared genuinely furious. He remarked, ‘That’s because you’re Mr. Angry.’ I replied, ‘Thank you.’”
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Inside Ronnie O’Sullivan’s ‘Snotgate’ controversy
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN’s fierce rivalry with Ali Carter made headlines earlier this year during the Masters final, where the world No. 1 secured a 10-7 victory.
As they passed each other, the Rocket stunned everyone with a shoulder shove against his opponent.
Following the match, Carter escalated the rivalry by accusing O’Sullivan of violently clearing his nose and calling him “disgusting.”
He stated: “It’s unacceptable behavior from a leading professional. If this is overlooked, it sets a bad precedent for the sport.”
“Did we say anything to each other? No. I have nothing to communicate with him at all.”
In response, O’Sullivan flashed his middle finger during a press conference, asserting: “For him to come out and try to trash talk me, well, he can have that finger right up there.
“He can deal with it for all I care. Everyone knows what he is like; he has issues.
“Why is he taking it out on me? I’m not accepting that. He should toughen up.
“I don’t give a f***. The more he provokes me, the more I’ll punish him every time.”
Carter, a two-time cancer survivor, shared with Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips channel: “He used to come to Witham, and we practiced together. But as soon as we became competitors, I noticed times when he wouldn’t even acknowledge my presence.
“I don’t know him well. I hold no grudges now. There’s not enough interaction for him to play a significant role in my life.
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“We acknowledge he’s an extraordinary player. Regarding anything beyond that, I allow others to form their opinions. Regardless of what you say, the ardent followers of Ronnie will always criticize you.
“Ronnie uses his status to declare, ‘This is my table; you’re merely a participant.’ His presence is always palpable. That’s acceptable if he believes that approach is necessary for his success.
“I’ve competed against Mark Williams and John Higgins countless times, and with those players, it’s a fair contest minus all the drama.”
The conflict escalated yet again after the 2024 Masters final, which O’Sullivan won 10-7, as the verbal exchanges continued in the press conference.
Carter accused the infamous rival O’Sullivan of clearing his nose onto the carpet while sitting during the final frames of the Ally Pally match.
The Colchester player expressed outrage: “It’s absolutely disgusting. Nobody seems willing to confront it, right? Snot on the floor is outright unacceptable.
“I mean, it’s outrageous behavior from a top player.”
In retaliation, O’Sullivan raised his middle finger in defiance and stormed out of his post-match commitments.
The seven-time world champion remarked: “I don’t care. You all understand what he’s like; his character is known to everyone. He has issues. Why is he mad at me? I won’t accept that. He needs to sort his life out.
“Competing against someone like that is a nightmare. He’s not a pleasant individual.”
Before the tournament kicked off, the Rocket, who hadn’t competed since January, reflected on his emotional outburst with a sense of regret.
He said: “It’s all fine. It was probably just emotional reactions in the moment.
“I’ve often wished I hadn’t said what I said, but it’s outside of my control now.
“It’s all out in the open. Neither of us truly lingers on it.”
