Ali Carter overcomes Ronnie O’Sullivan at German Masters
Ali Carter confirmed that his long-standing feud with Ronnie O’Sullivan is firmly in the past after defeating the seven-time world champion 5-3 in the first round of the 2026 German Masters on Wednesday, reports BritPanorama.
The 46-year-old’s victory advances him to the last 16 of the Berlin tournament and marks just his second success against O’Sullivan in ranking events throughout their careers. Carter established an early 3-0 lead, but O’Sullivan fought back to level the match before Carter regained control and clinched the final two frames.
The significance of this match lies not just in the scoreline but in the reconciliation between the two players. Their rivalry has been marked by heated exchanges, both verbal and occasionally physical, over the years. However, a thaw in their relationship has been evident since their first-round meeting in Sheffield the previous year, where they appeared to put past animosities aside.
“Look, me and Ronnie have known each other a long time. He’s a character, isn’t he?” Carter remarked to the World Snooker Tour. “We’re fine now, and there’s no animosity at all. It was just all heat-of-the-moment stuff we’re both sportsmen.” Further reflecting on O’Sullivan’s status, Carter described him as “the finest player the sport has ever seen,” underlining the respect that still exists amid their competitive histories.
Despite the match lacking the high-quality flair typical of their encounters, it showcased Carter’s ability to maintain composure under pressure. “It didn’t look like he was enjoying it too much out there today,” Carter noted, indicating that O’Sullivan’s performance may have been affected by a lack of match sharpness after not competing since the UK Championship.
The Rocket, now 50, has previously expressed ambitions of claiming an eighth world title, but he did suggest that his preparations for the Crucible might be lagging this season. As for Carter, he eyes a third German Masters title, having previously won in 2013 and 2023 with a runner-up finish in 2017.
This latest chapter in their rivalry serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined personal and professional dynamics can be within sport, and how even the most seasoned competitors can find common ground over time.
