Ronnie O’Sullivan responds to criticism after Ali Carter opener: ‘Had it for FOUR years’

Ronnie O’Sullivan made his long-awaited return to the snooker table on Tuesday as he opened up his World Championship campaign against long-term rival Ali Carter and has now spoken out on his display

Ronnie O’Sullivan admits he has been struggling with the problems that blighted him vs Ali Carter for FOUR YEARS. The Rocket made his long-awaited return to the table on Tuesday in his Snooker World Championship opener against foe Carter.

And things were initially going well for O’Sullivan as he opened up a 5-2 advantage. Momentum then swung in his opponent’s favour, Carter roaring back, with the scores now sitting at 5-4 ahead of a decisive Wednesday meeting between the two rivals.

While the game was a thrilling affair, both players struggled. O’Sullivan in particular had a number of difficulties when it came to his long game, some suggesting that it was down to his new cue.

But the seven-time world champion refuses to blame his equipment and suggests that the issues that reared their head against Carter have been present for years. Speaking to TNT Sports after Tuesday’s opener, O’Sullivan said: “That’s just me.

“I’ve had four years of it to be honest, hitting the ball all over the place. I have to try and stay in the moment, and play my way through it.”

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He added: “I wouldn’t say [I was] nervous, but I hadn’t played for a while. The reason why I did stop was because it was so bad, even in practice, it got to me a bit. I didn’t expect much today, but I thought, if I get a few frames off Ali, make it competitive, I’ll be happy with that.”

Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson gave his thoughts on O’Sullivan’s performance against Carter. He claimed that the result was potentially more important ahead of Wednesday’s session.

He said: “There was so much built-up expectation with Ali coming in as a qualifier and Ronnie coming in as an unknown this year, which is so strange.

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“I’m sure Ronnie will go away and be happy with a one-frame lead. Ali seemed to have the bit between his teeth. That will feel massive going in at 5-4 rather than 6-3 [down]. There have been positives from both guys that they can take into Wednesday’s session.”

Ahead of Wednesday’s second meeting , O’Sullivan has already made his feelings very clear on Carter. Following their long-running feud, a somewhat frosty reception was understandably expected between the duo at the Crucible ahead of their clash.

But O’Sullivan offered his rival a handshake that was quickly accepted before the two stars both took their seats ahead of the action getting underway. They will be reunited on Wednesday afternoon for their decisive second session.

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