Ali Carter says he 'feels sorry' for Ronnie O'Sullivan following the Rocket's recent angry outburst.
Carter claims O'Sullivan is not well 'mentally' and doesn't let his comments affect him.
The pair have exchanged verbal blows since Sunday's Masters final at Alexandra Palace.
O'Sullivan came from 6-3 down to win 10-7 and clinch his record-extending eighth title.
Ali Carter has responded to Ronnie O'Sullivan's comments
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Carter criticised O'Sullivan after the match for 'snotting all over the floor' while he also hit out at the crowd, who were backing his opponent.
O'Sullivan was made aware of the comments in his post-match press conference and let loose with an incredible rant.
He claimed Carter 'needs to sort his f*****g life out' and playing against him is a 'f*****g nightmare'.
Carter was back in action on Tuesday at the World Grand Prix in Leicester.
And he broke his silence on O'Sullivan's comments ahead of the match.
Carter told ITV: "Yeah Ronnie's entitled to his opinion of me.
"I just said what it is and how it was and I talk facts."
Asked if he's angry about O'Sullivan's comments, Carter claimed that he instead feels sorry for the seven-time world champion.
He said: "Angry about what? No. Yeah, it makes no difference to me what he says.
"He says different things on different days, I don't think he even knows what's going to come out of his mouth at certain times.
"I actually feel a bit sorry for him, I don't think he's that well, mentally.
"We move forward and we go again this week."
O'Sullivan has previously revealed his struggles with mental health.
His recent documentary shed light on his addiction to drink and drugs, as well as his battles with depression.
The 48-year-old will return to the table on Tuesday evening in his first-round match of the World Grand Prix against Pang Junxu.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan beat Ali Carter in Sunday's Masters final
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O'Sullivan and Carter's rivalry dates back to their World Championship clash in 2018, where O'Sullivan shoulder-barged his opponent.
Carter's comments on Sunday were the last straw for the Rocket.
He ranted: "I'm not going to skirt around it anymore, tip-toeing on eggshells around someone like that. He's a f*****g 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.
Ronnie O'Sullivan ranted at Ali Carter in his press conference
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"I've said my piece, I don't give a s**t. I've said it now, done. You know what he's like, everybody knows what he's like.
"He's got issues. F*****g why has he got issues with me? I'm not having it.
"I don't care, grow some balls. I don't give a f**k about any of these snooker players, any of them."
