16 January 2024 , 12:32
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Ronnie O’Sullivan has backtracked on comments that he wanted eight wins at each Triple Crown event amid a savage takedown of Masters rival Ali Carter.
The 48-year-old claimed the Masters crown for the eighth time in his career on Sunday with a 10-7 victory against Carter at Alexandra Palace. O’Sullivan also has eight UK Championship titles to his name, having defeated Ding Junhui last month.
He could potentially match that tally at the World Championship this spring. O'Sullivan had previously claimed that matching his counts in each of the Triple Crown events was a major driving force, but he's since admitted his regret at those comments.
Speaking after Sunday’s victory, he said: "I wish I hadn’t mentioned that stupid eight, eight, eight. I am not even interested in it, but sometimes you feel you have got to say something. Really I have no interest in numbers."
While O’Sullivan has backtracked on those comments, it appears he still stands by his expletive-ridden rant fired in the direction of Carter. He launched into an extraordinary verbal attack on his rival during his post-victory press conference.
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“He needs to sort his f***ing life out,” blasted O'Sullivan. "I’m not going to skirt around it anymore, tip-toeing on egg shells around someone like that. He’s a f***ing 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. I’ve said it now, done. You know what he’s like, everybody knows what he’s like. He’s got issues.
O'Sullivan defeated Carter to win the Masters (AFP via Getty Images)What is your take on Ronnie O'Sullivan's comments? Share your response in the comments below
"F***ing 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**k, I don’t give a f**k about any of these snooker players, any of them.
“The more he brings it on, the more I f***ing punish him every time. He’s just digging a grave for himself. I don’t give a f**k. That’s it, I’ve said my piece.”
He added: “He’s got beef with me. He’s got issues, he’s got to sort his life out, he’s got to see a counsellor or something. He’s got to deal with that because that’s no good. He’s got to sort it out, because I haven’t spoken to him for 20 years.
“I played with him when he was a kid and shared a lot of stuff with him. For him to come out and try to trash talk me like that, do you know what? He can have one of them [middle finger], he can sit on it as far as I’m concerned.”