Ronnie O'Sullivan issues message to rival Ali Carter 12 months after explosive Masters row
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Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has expressed regret over his explosive outburst at Ali Carter following last year's Masters final at Alexandra Palace.
The 49-year-old, who claimed a record eighth Masters title with a 10-7 victory, has now admitted his expletive-laden rant was ill-advised, though he maintains there is no lasting feud between the two players.
The admission comes just days before both players return to Alexandra Palace for this year's Masters tournament.
The clash was marked by heated exchanges, with Carter describing O'Sullivan's supporters as "morons" who "haven't got enough brains".
Ronnie O'Sullivan will defend his Masters title this week
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Carter also alleged that O'Sullivan had "snotted" on the floor during the match.
O'Sullivan's response was fierce and expletive-laden. "He needs to sort his f***ing life out," the champion said.
"I'm not going to skirt around it anymore, tip-toeing on egg shells around someone like that. He's a f***ing nightmare."
The Rocket even delivered a middle finger gesture during his extraordinary rant.
A year on from the incident, O'Sullivan has reflected on his outburst with a more measured perspective.
"It's just heat of the moment stuff," O'Sullivan said. "If I feel like I've got to say something I'll say it.
Ali Carter and Ronnie O'Sullivan competed in a heated final last year
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"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."
The seven-time world champion emphasised there was no lasting animosity. "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."
The clash was not the first time the pair had crossed paths controversially.
At the 2018 World Championship in Sheffield, tensions boiled over in what became known as 'barge-gate'.
O'Sullivan physically barged Carter in the ribs, snapping: "That's for being Mr Angry".
The incident occurred during one of Carter's rare victories over O'Sullivan, as he secured a shock win in the last 16 - one of only three victories in their 26 encounters.
The pair will now return to Alexandra Palace as the Masters gets underway on Sunday, where they could meet again in the semi-finals.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan and Ali Carter have clashed in the past
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O'Sullivan heads into this year's Masters after a disappointing showing at the Championship League.
The snooker icon withdrew from the competition after losing four of his five matches.
His final appearance was particularly controversial, with O'Sullivan displaying a series of bizarre antics during his 3-2 defeat to Robert Milkins.
The match was marked by an apparent lewd gesture and O'Sullivan hitting his cue on the table.
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