Ali Carter has confirmed that his long-standing feud with Ronnie O'Sullivan is firmly in the past following his 5-3 triumph over the seven-time world champion at the 2026 German Masters on Wednesday.
The 46-year-old progressed to the last 16 of the Berlin tournament with a victory that marks just his second ranking event success against O'Sullivan in their careers.
"Look, me and Ronnie have known each other a long time. He's a character, isn't he?" Carter told the World Snooker Tour.
"We're fine now, and there's no animosity at all. It was just all heat-of-the-moment stuff we're both sportsmen."
The pair have faced each other in numerous high-profile encounters over the years, including memorable contests at both the World Championship and the Masters, with their rivalry occasionally spilling over into heated verbal and physical exchanges.
However, the two Englishmen appeared to bury the hatchet before their first-round meeting in Sheffield last year, and that reconciliation has endured.
Wednesday's contest was not a classic, with the quality dipping at times throughout the match.
Ali Carter has confirmed that his long-standing feud with Ronnie O'Sullivan is firmly in the past following his 5-3 triumph over the seven-time world champion at the 2026 German Masters on Wednesday
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Carter established early dominance by racing into a commanding 3-0 advantage, but O'Sullivan fought back to level proceedings at three frames apiece.
The Captain then held his nerve to claim the final two frames and seal his passage into the next round.
Carter was generous in his assessment of his opponent, describing O'Sullivan as the finest player the sport has ever seen.
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The Captain acknowledged his poor record against the Rocket over the years, noting he has suffered defeats in every manner imaginable, from heavy losses to narrow ones.
His previous ranking event victory over O'Sullivan came at the World Championship in 2019.
Carter observed that his opponent seemed to lack enjoyment during their Berlin encounter.
"It didn't look like he was enjoying it too much out there today," he remarked.
Carter admitted he feared he had let the match slip when O'Sullivan drew level, but resolved to attack.
Ali Carter suggested Ronnie O'Sullivan didn't enjoy himself in their German Masters clash
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He continued: "I just said to myself, 'right, I'm going for everything now'.
"I potted some really good long balls. It was a grind in the end, but I'm glad to get over the line and get the job done."
O'Sullivan, 50, was competing in his first event since the UK Championship and appeared to lack match sharpness throughout.
The Rocket had earlier this week expressed his desire to secure an eighth world title but suggested his Crucible preparations may have started too late this season.
Carter now has his sights set on a third German Masters crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 2013 and 2023, with a runner-up finish in 2017.