Ali Carter secured a notable 5-3 victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan at the German Masters, a win that felt different than others. It wasn’t simply the scoreline, but the observation that O’Sullivan appeared to be wrestling with his game, lacking the usual spark that defines him.
Carter initially surged to a commanding 3-0 lead, showcasing precision and control. However, O’Sullivan battled back, leveling the match at 3-3, revealing a determined resilience despite his visible struggles. Ultimately, Carter regained his composure, closing out the match with a display of focused play.
The seven-time world champion was demonstrably uncomfortable, visibly frustrated after missing routine shots. He slumped at the table, a stark contrast to the confident posture fans are accustomed to seeing. This wasn’t the Ronnie O’Sullivan who effortlessly dominates the snooker world.
“It didn’t look like he was enjoying it too much out there today,” Carter remarked, offering a candid assessment. He suggested that if O’Sullivan isn’t finding joy in the competition, he’s in a position where participation isn’t a necessity. The intensity of the battle, the very essence of the sport, seemed absent for the Rocket.
This victory was particularly significant for Carter, given his historically challenging record against O’Sullivan. Outside of short-format events, this was only his second win against his formidable opponent. He recalled past defeats, acknowledging the many ways he’d fallen short over the years.
“I was delighted to be 3-0 up,” Carter admitted, “Then I thought I’d let the match slip.” He described a conscious shift in strategy, a decision to take risks and execute difficult shots, ultimately turning the tide in his favor. It was a hard-fought win, but a satisfying one.
Their rivalry has included memorable clashes, including Carter’s World Championship victory in 2018 and a tense Masters final in 2024. However, Carter emphasized that any past animosity is firmly in the past. They’ve reached a place of mutual respect, acknowledging the heat of the moment can sometimes fuel conflict.
“Me and Ronnie have known each other a long time,” Carter explained. “We’re fine now, there’s no animosity at all, it’s all heat of the moment stuff.” He readily acknowledged O’Sullivan’s status as the greatest snooker player of all time, expressing pride in simply competing alongside him.
O’Sullivan’s recent form has been a concern, with this win being just his first in three tournaments. He’s still searching for a ranking title since January 2024, a drought unusual for a player of his caliber. The contrast with Carter’s success at the German Masters is striking.
Carter has a strong affinity for the German Masters, having previously won the title twice. He expressed his love for the tournament and the city of Berlin, hoping to draw on those positive memories as he progresses through the competition. He aims to build on this momentum and secure further victories.
Looking ahead, Carter will face Xu Si in the last 16, following Si’s narrow 5-4 victory over Mark Selby. The Captain is focused, determined to capitalize on his recent success and continue his impressive run at the German Masters.
