– I haven’t spoken to him in 20 years. I played with him when he was young and did a lot with him then. That he is now going to come and try to “trash talk” me like that, you know what? He may have one of these (middle finger). He can sit on him, for all I care. That’s what Ronnie O’Sullivan said in a mildly explosive press conference, after he turned from 3–6 to 10–7 and beat Ali Carter in the final of the Masters tournament, one of the biggest tournaments in snooker. Before O’Sullivan came to the press conference, Carter had criticized both O’Sullivan and the crowd’s behaviour. According to the BBC and Sky Sports, among others, Carter claimed that O’Sullivan had spread snot all over the floor inside the final arena. – It’s outrageous behavior from a top player, and if it goes under the rug, it’s not good, said Carter. RIVAL: O’Sullivan (left) and Carter (right) have had an icy relationship for several years. Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP – A nightmare O’Sullivan responded by saying that Carter needs to get his life in order, and that he can no longer be cautious around him. – Playing snooker against someone like him is a nightmare. He is not a pleasant person. It is not a good atmosphere he was looking for around the table. I have said what I have to say and docker is going to write what docker is going to write. I don’t care, said O’Sullivan. The 48-year-old is a world leader right now, something he has been for several periods in the last 22 years. He has also won a total of seven WC titles and the Masters winner on Sunday was his eighth. 44-year-old Carter, for his part, was number two in the world ranking at his highest, and is now number ten. The two have met in two WC finals previously, in 2008 and 2012. Both times O’Sullivan won a crushing victory. SNOOKER LEGEND: The outspoken O’Sullivan is regarded as the best snooker player of all time. Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP Uproar after shoulder tackle in 2018 Things went better for Carter in the second round of the WC in 2018. It was a match that is primarily remembered for a small shoulder tackle from O’Sullivan. – You got it for being Mr. Sint (Mr. Angry), O’Sullivan said to Carter at the time, according to The Independent. Snooker commentator in Eurosport, Edwin Ingebrigtsen, points out that O’Sullivan likes to make headlines every now and then. – When it comes to the conflict itself, it has clearly been a thorn in the side between these two for many years, he says to news. – I think it’s nice that we have snooker players who are outspoken and who stand out, but he can certainly limit his use of words. What is a bit interesting is that he says several times that he doesn’t care. But if he hadn’t cared, he probably wouldn’t have reacted the way he did, says Ingebrigtsen. Right after the loss: – He starts to annoy me After the final on Sunday was over, both players were interviewed down by the final table, an interview that was shown on Eurosport. There, Ingebrigtsen noted that Carter did not make the usual praise of the opponent, which is often the case. – He’s starting to annoy me, said Carter instead, with a smile on his face. – I think Ali Carter seems very angry. In a way, I agree with a lot of what O’Sullivan says, except for the roughest things. I think he has a point that Carter has to deal with his own challenges. FINAL LOSS: Carter had to see that it was another final loss against O’Sullivan. Photo: Bradley Collyer / AP – Snooker is often referred to as a gentleman’s sport, how does that harmonize with what the players said at the press conferences? – I think it’s perfectly fine, as long as you stay constructive. As in all sports, you need something to happen. You need a little kick in a sport. I don’t see a problem with that, but as long as you manage to be respectful towards each other, says Ingebrigtsen.
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Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan with crazy outburst at press conference – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcast schedule
