Crucible Stunner: Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ali Carter Call Truce in Long-Running Snooker Feud

Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ali Carter, two of snooker’s most well-known and fiery competitors, appeared to finally bury the hatchet during their recent clash at the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible. The pair, long embroiled in a tense rivalry marked by public fallouts and pointed accusations, surprised fans with a rare show of mutual respect.

Ahead of their much-anticipated first-round match, a notable moment occurred as O’Sullivan—nicknamed “The Rocket”—extended a handshake toward Carter, which was warmly accepted. This brief but symbolic gesture occurred just before the opening break, defying expectations given the duo’s fraught history. Commentator and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry highlighted the significance of the handshake, noting that it wasn’t O’Sullivan’s usual fist bump, but rather a sincere and cordial exchange.

The background to this thaw in hostilities is rooted in years of tension. Once practice partners and friendly rivals, their relationship soured over time. A flashpoint came when Carter accused O’Sullivan of unsportsmanlike behavior during the Masters, going so far as to call out what he described as “disgusting” conduct, including an allegation that O’Sullivan had blown his nose on the floor.

O’Sullivan, never one to back down from confrontation, responded with an expletive-laden tirade, branding Carter “a nightmare” to play against and questioning his professionalism and character. The Rocket made it clear he no longer intended to tiptoe around Carter’s sensitivities, unapologetically lashing out at his long-time rival.

However, ahead of their Crucible meeting, O’Sullivan seemed to reflect on the past, admitting that some of his previous remarks were made in the heat of the moment. He expressed regret and suggested that neither he nor Carter hold onto the animosity as tightly as before.

Whether this handshake marks a permanent truce or just a temporary cooling of tempers remains to be seen. But for now, snooker fans are relishing the prospect of a classic battle between two of the sport’s most compelling characters—played out with mutual, if cautious, respect.