Ronnie O'Sullivan told World Snooker Championship opponent to 'sort his life out' in rant

 Ronnie O'Sullivan faces an awkward reunion after the 2025 World Snooker Championship draw was made.

Ronnie O'Sullivan during his angry rant at Ali Carter. (Image: Getty.)

Ronnie O'Sullivan will lock horns with Ali Carter in the first round of the 2025 World Snooker Championship, the man he told to "sort his f***ing life out" after their Masters final last year. The Rocket has not yet confirmed whether or not he will play at the Crucible, having not played a professional match since January.

He snapped his cue in his last public outing on the World Snooker Tour, but will be desperate to get one over on his fierce rival once again. O'Sullivan defeated Carter in the 2008 and 2012 finals, before coming from behind to defeat the Captain at Alexandra Palace 15 months ago.

Carter accused O'Sullivan of "snotting all over the floor" during their London contest and when those comments were put to the champion in his press conference, he did not hold back in response.

"He can sit on it as far as I'm concerned," O'Sullivan fumed. "I don't give a f***. You know what he's like, everybody knows what he's like. He's got issues. F******* why has he got issues with me? I'm not having it. I don't care, grow some balls. I don't give a f***. The more he brings it on, the more I f****** punish him every time.

"Absolutely. He's just digging a grave for himself. He needs to sort his f****** life out. That's it, I've said my piece. I'm not going to skirt around it anymore, tip-toeing on egg shells around someone like that.

"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 and you're going to write what you're going to write. I don't give a s***. I've said it now, done. End of press conference? I suppose you've got your headlines, haven't you?"

Ronnie O'Sullivan and Ali Carter shaking hands before their Masters final. 

Months later, O'Sullivan admitted his regret over those comments, explaining: "Yeah. It’s just heat of the moment stuff.

"If I feel like I’ve got to say something I’ll say it. It’s nothing personal, just heat of the moment stuff. He’s entitled to say what he’s got to say, like I am.

"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.

"If I feel like I’ve got to say something I’ll say it. It’s nothing personal, just heat of the moment stuff. He’s entitled to say what he’s got to say, like I am.

"But I’ve said what I’ve said and that’s fine. It’s only words isn't it? He goes back to his life, his family and I do. 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."

Despite O'Sullivan's almost-apology, Carter will be chomping at the bit to get one over on his bitter foe. He overcame world No. 50 He Guoqiang in the final round of qualifying to set up the most-anticipated draw of the first round.

"To be fair, I don't know too much about him, I say what I see," Carter said a few months after the incident as he played down any grudge with snooker's most decorated player. "I hold no malice now really. I'm not around him enough for him to feature in my life. We know he's a great snooker player and all that, but as regards to anything else, I couldn't tell you.

"I let people make their own minds up. Whatever you say, the staunch Ronnie fans will always slaughter you. I choose to keep my mouth shut."