Snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan admits having regrets about his explosive rant at Ali Carter.
The Rocket, 49, left fans in disbelief after he unleashed an astonishing expletive-laden lashing in the aftermath of his record-extending eighth Masters title last year, in which he defeated nemesis Carter 10-7. Carter, who has also lost two World Championship finals to O’Sullivan, accused the legend of “snotting” all over the Ally Pally floor and added: "I don’t think he’s that well, mentally."
The world No.3 returns to Ally Pally for the first time since storming out of his press conference when he kicks off the 50th anniversary of the event against Wizard of Wishaw, and fellow Class of 92 member, John Higgins on January 12. When asked if he laughs about it now O’Sullivan, who labelled Carter a “f***ing nightmare”, said: “Yeah. It’s just heat of the moment stuff. If I feel like I’ve got to say something I’ll say it. It’s nothing personal, just heat of the moment stuff. He’s entitled to say what he’s got to say, like I am.
“Do I regret saying it? Probably. I wish I’d kept my mouth shut and been a bit more polished with my answers, a bit more diplomatic. But I’ve said what I’ve said and that’s fine. It’s only words innit? He goes back to his life, his family and I do too. We only have to meet on the table, it’s not like we’re best mates but it’s fine, we’re both pretty grown up.”
O’Sullivan begins his bid to start 2025 in style with a blockbuster clash with Higgins in a curtain-raiser to savour. Meanwhile, runaway world No.1 Judd Trump, who has amassed just under £1.2million in prize money already this season, is chasing history as well as a Masters hat-trick. The Ace in the Pack will set a new record for money won in a single campaign if he reaches the semi-finals.
“Any record you can set is a great achievement,” insisted Trump. “Whether that’s ranking titles, centuries or prize money. Having any record is great.”
