Update-Ali Carter hits back at Ronnie O’Sullivan in war of words

Ali Carter said she felt sorry for Ronnie O’Sullivan and didn’t think the world number one was “mentally that well” as the pair’s bitter war of words continued.

O’Sullivan described Carter as a “nightmare” and said he had to “see a counsellor” after defeating his fierce rival in Sunday’s Masters final.

The 48-year-old hit back at Carter, who claimed the seven-time world champion “made a bed on the floor” during the match at Alexandra Palace, which O’Sullivan won 10-7.

The World Snooker Tour announced on Tuesday morning that O’Sullivan’s suspension was “under review” and Carter then went on the attack later in the day.

The pair play at the Grand Prix in Leicester this week and speaking to ITV4 ahead of the 4-3 win against Yize Wu, Carter said: “Ronnie is entitled to his opinion. I just said what it is and how it was and I’m talking about the facts. It’s as simple as that.”

Rocket wins eighth Masters crown over Carter

(PA)
Asked if he was angry about O’Sullivan’s comments, he said: “Angry about what? I don’t care what he says. He says different things on different days. I don’t think he even knows what’s coming out of his mouth at certain moments.

“Actually, I feel a little sorry for him. I don’t think he’s doing so well mentally. So we go ahead and again this week.

O’Sullivan is not scheduled to play until the evening session, so the pair are unlikely to cross paths at the Morningside Arena and will only meet in the final.

O’Sullivan caused a stir when he told several newspapers: “He needs to get his bloody life together. I’m not going to walk around it anymore, I’m walking on eggshells around someone like that. He’s a fucking nightmare.

“Playing snooker against such a person is a nightmare. He is not a nice person. It is not a pleasant atmosphere that he leaves around the table.

I actually feel a little sorry for her, I don’t think she’s doing so well mentally

Ali Carter
“I said I didn’t care. I’ve said it now, done. You know what he’s like, everybody knows what he’s like.

“He’s in trouble. N*****g why is he in trouble with me? I’m not.”

O’Sullivan added: “He has a beef with me. He’s got problems, he needs to get his life together, he needs a counselor or something. He must be making this up because I haven’t talked to him in 20 years.

The pair’s long-running heated rivalry spilled over into a 2018 World Championship match at the Crucible when O’Sullivan met Carter on the table.

At Alexandra Palace on Sunday, Carter had a heated exchange with someone who screamed when he started shooting.

Carter, 44, said: “There are some things that were missed. Well, they weren’t missed – anyone with sight or a brain can see what’s going on.

“It’s disgusting, honestly. Nobody wants to say anything, right? (O’Sullivan) snoring on the floor and all.

“I mean, that’s outrageous behavior from a top professional. If it’s swept under the rug, that’s not good for me.”

O’Sullivan is currently involved in a disciplinary dispute with the game’s governing body, the World Professional Pool and Snooker Association, over comments he made regarding unauthorized demos – matches.

Carter’s case is sent to WPBSA.

Carter only arrived on the scene 25 minutes into the match against Wu and needed a final frame decider to win 4-3..