White, McManus discuss O'Sullivan-Carter after 'barge-gate' clash

Posted : 22 April 2025

The World Championship's opening round begins on Tuesday afternoon, featuring a highly anticipated match between Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ali Carter. Both players share a history of rivalry, which has sometimes been tense. Their relationship has been marked by several controversial moments, including the infamous 'barge-gate' incident during the 2018 World Championship. The tension between the two resurfaced after O’Sullivan’s victory in the 2024 Masters final, where they exchanged harsh words.

When the draw for the 2025 World Championship was revealed, the match-up between O’Sullivan and Carter immediately caught the eye. O’Sullivan's participation was uncertain due to his limited appearances during the season, but he confirmed last week that he would compete in Sheffield. The first session of their clash takes place on Tuesday afternoon, a topic that was discussed at length on TNT Sports the previous evening. Commentator Radzi Chinyanganya remarked that it would be "an occasion and a half," and Alan McManus agreed, noting the history between the two players.

McManus reflected on the long-standing tension between O’Sullivan and Carter, pointing out that their rivalry dates back several years. A clip showing their infamous shoulder barge was aired, illustrating the intensity of their encounters. McManus explained that Carter knew O’Sullivan wouldn’t back down, and he would match O’Sullivan’s intensity. O’Sullivan’s cool demeanor after the incident, giving a thumbs-up to Carter, was analyzed by McManus, with Jimmy White adding that O'Sullivan might have been more frustrated than he appeared.

O’Sullivan recently mentioned in an interview that he hopes to continue playing into his 50s, provided he can rediscover his passion for the game. McManus encouraged fans to appreciate these great players while they still have them, recalling that the match between O’Sullivan and John Higgins at The Masters was missed due to scheduling issues. He urged viewers to focus on the upcoming match, setting aside past disagreements, as it promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Looking back on their rivalry, O’Sullivan and Carter once practiced together regularly, but their relationship has soured over time. The infamous 'barge-gate' at the 2018 World Championship marked the beginning of their estrangement. In the 2024 Masters final, tensions flared again. Carter accused O’Sullivan of behaving "disgustingly" and criticized the crowd’s disruptive behavior while he was preparing to take a shot. O’Sullivan, in turn, responded harshly, calling Carter "not a nice person."

Ahead of their 2025 World Championship meeting, O’Sullivan downplayed their feud, stating that their relationship was "fine." He acknowledged that his comments after the Masters final were made in the heat of the moment and expressed regret over his harsh words. Despite the public exchange, O’Sullivan emphasized that both players had moved on, and neither of them dwelled on the past.

When Carter was asked about the prospect of facing O’Sullivan after qualifying, he gave a terse response, saying "no comment really." Despite the tension between them, both players are focused on the upcoming match, which promises to be an exciting spectacle. Fans can expect a thrilling contest, as these two snooker heavyweights prepare for another high-stakes showdown.

White, McManus discuss O'Sullivan-Carter after 'barge-gate' clash

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