The World Snooker Tour (WST) is currently reviewing a heated exchange between Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ali Carter that occurred during the 2024 Masters final at Alexandra Palace. O’Sullivan, after securing his eighth Masters title, accused Carter of being “not a nice person” and suggested he needed counselling. This was in response to Carter’s criticism of O’Sullivan’s behaviour during the match, specifically accusing him of “snotting all over the floor” .
This incident is part of broader tensions within professional snooker. Players like Mark Allen have expressed concerns over restrictive contracts and the management of the sport, calling for a “peaceful resolution” to these issues. Allen had previously criticized the WST, stating that the game was in “disarray” and that player contracts were “very restrictive,” although he later apologized for these comments .
Additionally, a significant match-fixing scandal has impacted the sport, with ten Chinese players, including former Masters champion Yan Bingtao, receiving bans. Investigations revealed that senior players manipulated younger teammates into corrupt activities, leading to lifetime bans for some and highlighting the need for stricter oversight .
These events underscore the challenges facing professional snooker, from interpersonal conflicts to systemic issues within its governance.
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