Ronnie O’Sullivan, the celebrated snooker player known as “The Rocket,” is anticipated to compete in this year’s World Snooker Championship, marking a potential return after limited appearances throughout 2025 due to acknowledged struggles with confidence.
The draw, revealed on Thursday, pairs O’Sullivan against Ali Carter in a highly-anticipated first-round matchup at the Crucible Theatre.
Their rivalry is well-established and frequently intense, extending beyond their encounters on the table. The dynamic between the two players was notably highlighted after last year’s Masters tournament, which O’Sullivan ultimately won.
While a formal announcement has not yet been made, sources indicate that O’Sullivan intends to participate in the prestigious event, aiming for his eighth title and an unprecedented 33rd consecutive appearance. He is scheduled to attend the annual pre-tournament media day on Good Friday and will be included in the group photograph of the top 16 seeds.
The roots of their contentious relationship trace back to 2018, when a physical encounter sparked a series of verbal exchanges. O’Sullivan famously remarked at the time: “That’s for being Mr. Angry. You shoulder barged me earlier, I thought I’d give you one back.” Carter responded with understated politeness: “Thank you, it’s very nice of you.”
Tensions escalated further after last year’s Masters, when O’Sullivan expressed strong disapproval of Carter’s behavior, stating bluntly, “He needs to sort his f*****g life out.” He elaborated on his feelings, saying:
“I’m not going to skirt around it any more, 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. I’ve said my piece, I don’t give a s**t. You know what he’s like, everybody knows what he’s like.”
Carter, however, remained composed and expressed concern for O’Sullivan, stating:
“Ronnie is entitled to his opinion. I just said what it is and how it was and I talk facts. It is as simple as that.”
When questioned about O’Sullivan’s comments, Carter replied calmly: “Angry about what? It makes no difference to me what he says. He says different things on different days. I don’t think he even knows what is going to come out of his mouth at certain times. I actually feel a bit sorry for him. I don’t think he is that well, mentally. So we move forward and we go again this week.”
The upcoming match promises to be compelling, given the history and animosity between these two prominent figures in the world of snooker.
