Ali Carter says Ronnie O’Sullivan is not ‘that well, mentally’ as feud continues

Ali Carter said he feels sorry for Ronnie O’Sullivan and does not think the world number one is “that well mentally” as the pair’s bitter war of words continued.

O’Sullivan described Carter as “a f****** nightmare” and said he needs to “see a counsellor” after beating his fierce rival in Sunday’s Masters final.

The 48-year-old was hitting back at Carter, who claimed the seven-time world champion had “snotted on the floor” during their match at Alexandra Palace, which O’Sullivan won 10-7.

The World Snooker Tour said on Tuesday morning that O’Sullivan’s outburst was “under review”, with Carter then going on the offensive later in the day.

The pair are both playing at the Grand Prix in Leicester this week and, speaking to ITV4 ahead of his 4-3 win over Yize Wu, Carter said: “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.”

Asked whether he was angry at O’Sullivan’s comments, he said: “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.”

WHAT a tournament. WHAT a winner.