Ali Carter has had his say on old rival Ronnie O’Sullivan’s performance at the German Masters
Ali Carter has given his assessment on Ronnie O’Sullivan’s game following his rare victory over his old rival at the German Masters. The Captain booked his spot in the last 16 after surging into a 3-0 lead and then fending off an O’Sullivan fightback to win 5-3.
The triumph was one to cherish for Carter as it was just his second against the Rocket in 23 matches. However, it was clear O’Sullivan wasn’t happy with his game.
His most recent tournament win came at the Masters more than two years ago when he beat Carter in an ill-tempered final. The 50-year-old’s latest defeat follows two opening-round eliminations at the Riyadh Season Championship and UK Championship.
Carter, who shares a stormy history with O’Sullivan, offered his assessment of his opponent’s display in Berlin. He said: “It didn’t look like he was enjoying it too much out there today. It didn’t look like he enjoyed it out there. If that’s the case, then he’s obviously in a position where he doesn’t need to come to these events.
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“It’s great for the fans to see him, but it wasn’t enjoyable in the end to see him not really enjoy it. The heat of the battle is what we all play for but I suppose he’s in a different stage of his career right now.”
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Carter started practising with O’Sullivan during his teenage years before their relationship went downhill. However, since the 2024 Masters final, their relationship has improved, with their meeting at last year’s World Championship passing off without incident.
Carter said: “Me and Ronnie have known each other a long time. He’s a character, isn’t he? We’re fine now, there’s no animosity at all, it’s all heat-of-the-moment stuff. We’re both sportsmen and he’s the best snooker player of all time.
“So to even be on the table with him, competing with him and playing with him and getting the odd win here and there is a feather in me cap.”
O’Sullivan’s appearances have been few and far between this season. The German Masters was just his second tournament in Europe following his early exit at the UK Championship.
Speaking after his first round win over Long Zehuang, he spoke of his desire to win a record-breaking eighth world title. He said: “I’d like to win one more (World Championship).
“I will probably have three or four genuine attempts at it. I think that is going to be my main goal for the rest of my career, to try and win one more. If I can that would be great, but still just try and enjoy the game, enjoy the crowds and enjoy the tournaments.”
Following his win over O’Sullivan, Carter cruised to a 5-0 win over Xu Si to reach the quarter-finals, where he meets Stuart Bingham on Friday. The other last-eight ties include a mouth-watering clash between the last two Masters champions, Kyren Wilson and Shaun Murphy.
