Ali Carter has snapped at a fan on social media after being accused of bottling Sunday's Masters final against Ronnie O'Sullivan.
The 44-year-old appeared to be heading for the prize, having established a 6-3 lead.
Yet O'Sullivan mounted a stirring comeback to secure the title for the eighth time in his career.
Carter was visibly frustrated after missing out, with the Englishman's wait for Masters glory going on as a result.
Moron.
— Ali Carter (@TheCaptain147) January 15, 2024
But he's now snapped back at a fan on social media.
Carter said he was 'getting closer' after losing to O'Sullivan but user @jonnyross05 said: "How is he getting closer? Yesterday was history repeating itself.
"Builds himself a good lead and blows it.
"But then only Ronnie would be someone who knows how to play his best the way he wants to without giving a toss from anyone.
"Only one goat."
And Carter didn't take kindly to the stinging comments, simply saying: "Moron."
Some fans then opted to mock Carter further, with one user saying: "Aw did you get beat again? Excuses excuses."
A second said: "Cry baby."
And a third mocked Carter by saying: "Get some help, Ali. Ever wonder why nobody likes you?"
Others were supportive of the snooker star, however.
"I'm loving your resurgence, onwards & upwards mate," were the words of one user.
A second said: "Ignore the jealous comments Ali.
"Keep up the great momentum you have this season, earning loads and ranked 10 in the world $$$$$
"Good luck this week."
And a third hailed Carter by saying: "Well done Ali on good run to the masters final, good luck rest of The season and hope you do well at Sheffield."
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Ali Carter was devastated after losing to Ronnie O'Sullivan in Masters final
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Carter is yet to respond from an astonishing rant from O'Sullivan, however, who claimed his rival needed to 'sort his f*****g life out'.
"[Carter] needs to sort his f*****g life out," he said.
"I'm not going to skirt around it anymore, tip-toeing on eggshells around someone like that. He's a f*****g nightmare.
"Playing snooker against someone like that is a nightmare.
"He's not a nice person. It's not a nice vibe he leaves around the table.
Ali Carter was unable to prevent Ronnie O'Sullivan from securing Masters glory on Sunday night
GETTY
"I've said my piece, I don't give a s**t. I've said it now, done. You know what he's like, everybody knows what he's like.
"He's got issues. F*****g why has he got issues with me? I'm not having it.
"I don't care, grow some balls. I don't give a f**k about any of these snooker players, any of them.
"The more he brings it on, the more I f*****g punish him every time.
"He's just digging a grave for himself. I don't give a f**k. That's it, I've said my piece."
