Awkward moment Ronnie O’Sullivan is involved in SHOULDER BARGE that has fans recalling infamous spat with Ali Carter

THINGS almost got physical as Ronnie O’Sullivan played his opening session against Ryan Day in the World Snooker Championship.

The Rocket was almost barged into by Day when he was approaching the table in the early stages of the match.

BBCRonnie O’Sullivan was close to another Crucible shoulder barge in his match with Ryan Day[/caption]

BBCDay turned into O’Sullivan without realising he was behind him[/caption]

BBCO’Sullivan narrowly dodged the contact and was left with a bewildered look on his face[/caption]

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O’Sullivan was getting ready to take to the felt when Day turned to return to his seat and was unaware that the seven-time world champion was right behind him.

The clumsy moment almost saw Day slam into O’Sullivan, but the Englishman was quick enough to dodge the collision.

Fans watching on from home were quick to liken the near-miss to O’Sullivan’s frosty encounter with rival Ali Carter at the Crucible in 2018.

On social media one fan joked: “Ali Carter: ‘I do best shoulder barge.’ Ryan Day: ‘Hold my beer!’”.

Carter brushed past the snooker great with his shoulder while leading 10-8 that day in 2018 and there has been much debate about who initiated the contact since.

The world number one followed up the encounter with a few choice words for Carter.

He said: “That’s for being Mr Angry. You shoulder barged me earlier, I thought I’d give you one back.”

“Thank you, it’s very nice of you,” Carter then replied with a smile on his face.

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BBCO’Sullivan went shoulder to shoulder with Ali Carter in 2018[/caption]

“Stop being angry then,” Ronnie continued before referee Paul Collier advised the pair calm down.

The duo have had multiple feisty exchanges since, but O’Sullivan this year insisted that he isn’t fussed by his opponent and that it’s Carter’s jealousy that fuels the fire of their rivalry.

Speaking to Discovery+ ahead of their Masters clash at Ally Pally in January, O’Sullivan said: “I think he’s got more of a problem with me than I have with him.

“He’s got something against me. Maybe it’s because I’ve got a massive trophy cabinet full of trophies.”

For now O’Sullivan has his full focus on this year’s world championship with the 48-year-old taking a 5-3 lead into the second session of his last 16 tie with Ryan Day.