Ronnie O'Sullivan amuses Ally Pally crowd and gives clear verdict on Ali Carter after Masters triumph

Ronnie O'Sullivan amuses Ally Pally crowd and gives clear verdict on Ali Carter after Masters triumph

WATCH NOW: Ronnie O'Sullivan reacts after beating Ali Carter at the Masters

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 14/01/2024

- 22:12

Updated: 15/01/2024

- 08:59

The Rocket won 10-7 to make history in London

Ronnie O'Sullivan left the Alexandra Palace crowd in fits of laughter after his Masters final victory over Ali Carter on Sunday night.

The 48-year-old struggled during the afternoon session, with his opponent leading 5-3.


But O'Sullivan mounted a terrific comeback to reign supreme and win a record-extending eighth title.

Speaking to the BBC after the match, the Rocket was typically honest.

Ronnie O'Sullivan Masters

Ronnie O'Sullivan has spoken out after winning the Masters on Sunday night

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And he left the crowd in stitches by admitting he had no idea how he'd been able to win.

"I dunno how I've won this tournament to be honest with you," he confessed.

"I just dug deep, I've tried to play with a bit of freedom and then tonight I thought try and keep Ali honest.

"If he was to win he'd have to scrape me off the table.

"I wanted to see if he had it at the end, let's just see if he can get it over the line that's just my mindset.

He continued: "Ali didn't play great tonight, he played better this afternoon.

"He let me off the hook a few times, he was aggressive today, he didn't take some shots I thought he would of and it gave me some breathing space.

"I just done what I could, I just tried to make the most... like I said, just see what happens."

When asked if he still enjoys himself, he added: "Yeah I've had an amazing career, I love playing and love competing.

"The crowd have always been good to me over the years. That's the one thing I take from my career, the support I've had from all over the world.

"To all the snooker fans out there thanks for all your support over the years, I'll keep trying until I can't pot no more balls."

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Ronnie O'Sullivan

Ronnie O'Sullivan poses with his trophy after winning the Masters for a record-extending eighth time

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As for Carter, the 44-year-old battled valiantly.

And after losing to O'Sullivan in the final of the Masters for the third time, he joked he was starting to get annoyed by his rival.

"He's beginning to annoy me," joked Carter.

"It was a good week, obviously I'm gutted I lost the final it's all about winning at the end of the day.

"Before I rocked up here last week I'd have took the final.

Ali Carter Masters

Ronnie O'Sullivan admitted Ali Carter let him off the hook during his remarkable Masters triumph

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"So a lot of good things to come from me, I'm heading in the right direction."

He added: "Ronnie played very well there, I know he missed a couple at the end I think the crowd were getting a bit excited.

"When you play Ronnie you're playing against the crowd as well, you gotta' accept that.

"I tried my best and it just wasn't good enough today."

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