Carter talks about the origins of his ongoing feud with O’Sullivan and how it has intensified over time.

Ronnie O'Sullivan and Ali Carter have had a complicated relationship over the years. They have had some intense and spirited encounters, but it wasn't always that way. In fact, 30 years ago, they were quite friendly before things took a turn for the worse.

As young snooker players, they used to practice together in Essex. They were even practice partners for a while and played against each other every single day. In fact, it was during this time that Carter credits O'Sullivan for helping him prepare for and win the Benson & Hedges Championship in 1999.

However, as they started competing in tournaments, their relationship became strained. Their clashes at the World Championship and Masters tournaments were particularly controversial. In 2018, their shoulder barge incident during a Crucible meeting caused quite a stir in the snooker world.

And in 2024, their Masters final was heated and the post-match press conferences were far from friendly. Carter reveals that the animosity on his side stemmed from the stark contrast between their friendship in the practice room and the lack of camaraderie when they were competing in tournaments. Speaking on the Talking Snooker podcast, Carter said, "We used to practice together, as a 17-year-old at Witham Snooker Bowl.

We played every single day. That was what led up to winning the Benson & Hedges Championship in 1999. That was a big tournament then and if it wasn't for him getting me prepped up, I probably would never have won that tournament." But as time went by, their relationship only grew more complicated.

The physical clash in Sheffield in 2018 was followed by a conversation that seemed to mend their differences. However, things took a turn for the worse again when O'Sullivan denied having apologized to Carter during an interview. This incident only added fuel to the fire and their relationship became even more strained.

Carter also revealed that their relationship has had a significant impact on his standing with O'Sullivan's fans. He explains that while he may be a "marmite" figure in snooker, it is the fans of O'Sullivan who often target him with abuse. Despite their rocky relationship, the two players have managed to reconcile on certain occasions.

At the German Masters this year, they even had a friendly chat before their match, showing that they are ultimately just competitors in the world of snooker. And as it turns out, Carter actually gets along quite well with O'Sullivan's father, Ronnie O'Sullivan Sr. In fact, during Carter's battle with cancer, O'Sullivan Sr.

even reached out to offer his support. "I get on so well with his dad, spent a lot of time with his dad in Sheffield this year, had a lot of coffees with him," said Carter. "His dad, when I was going through my cancer treatment, this number kept ringing me, so obviously I thought I'd better answer this, might be a consultant.

He went: 'Ali, it's Ronnie O'Sullivan Senior. This is unconditional, anything you want, anything I can do for you, consider it done, you're an Essex boy, and I just want you to know, anything I can do.' I'd never met the guy! I went: 'Thanks, Ron, that's really nice of you to say.

So there you go.'" It's clear that while their relationship may have its ups and downs, there is still a level of respect and understanding between O'Sullivan and Carter. They may not always see eye to eye, but ultimately, they are both just passionate competitors in the world of snooker.