Ronnie O'Sullivan's girlfriend, Laila Rouass, has entered the ongoing feud between the snooker champion and his rival Ali Carter. The actress took to Instagram to defend O'Sullivan after Carter's resurfaced comments questioning the 48-year-old's ability to win another World Championship.
Rouass, known for her role in Footballers Wives, wrote on her private Instagram account: 'Ali Carter said four or five years ago that Ronnie doesn't have another World Championship win in him. What did he go and do? Now hush your mouth and be a good boy. Concentrate on your snooker.'
The feud escalated after O'Sullivan beat Carter 10-7 in the Masters final in January. O'Sullivan made x-rated comments about Carter, calling him a 'f***ing nightmare' and suggesting he needed a 'counsellor'. Carter retaliated by describing O'Sullivan as 'not that well mentally' and saying he felt 'sorry for him'. The World Snooker Tour is currently investigating O'Sullivan's outburst.
Despite the controversy, O'Sullivan has remained focused on his game. He followed his Masters victory with a win at the World Grand Prix in Leicester, coming from 4-0 down to beat Judd Trump 10-7. O'Sullivan attributed his comeback to cutting out junk food and buying a smoothie maker and an airfryer.
O'Sullivan has indicated he may take a break from competition, stating: 'The most important thing is play well. I'd rather play well and get beat, than play bad and win.'
