Ronnie O'Sullivan vows to bounce back from Ali Carter defeat at World Grand Prix snooker - 'I'll bring my best form'
Updated 30/01/2026 at 13:36 GMT
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Ronnie O'Sullivan has promised to bounce back quickly from his 5-3 defeat to Ali Carter in the last 32 of the German Masters when he returns to Hong Kong next week to compete in the World Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion is due to open his campaign against Joe O'Connor on Wednesday, February 4 with the tournament live on TNT Sports and discovery+ between February 3-8.
O'Sullivan purrs in German Masters opener with clearance in first frame
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ronnie O'Sullivan has vowed to bring his "cue and best form" when he returns to Hong Kong to compete in the World Grand Prix early next month.
The seven-time world champion suffered only his second defeat to Ali Carter in 22 meetings when he lost 5-3 in the last 32 of the German Masters on Wednesday.
Carter commented afterwards that he was concerned about O'Sullivan's demeanour during the match, and suggested his old Essex rival was not "enjoying" the battle at Berlin's Tempodrom.
"It didn't look like he was enjoying it too much out there today," said the two-time Crucible finalist, who lost world finals to O'Sullivan in 2008 and 2012, in speaking to reporters.
"If that’s the case, then he’s obviously in a position where he doesn’t need to come to these events.
"It’s great for the fans to see him, but it wasn’t enjoyable in the end to see him not really enjoy it.
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Bizarre moment as O'Sullivan accidentally flings red off the table against Carter
Video credit: TNT Sports
"The heat of the battle is what we all play for, but I suppose he’s in a different stage of his career right now."
O'Sullivan missed last year's event at the city's new Kai Tak Arena after smashing up his cue at the Championship League, but is relishing the chance to chase a fourth victory in the competition.
The world No. 8 appeared before a world record crowd of 9,000 fans at the Hong Kong Coliseum when he defeated Marco Fu 6-4 to win the invitational Hong Kong Masters in 2022.
"Hey friends. Listen, Hong Kong, I’m back," said O'Sullivan on X ahead of his opener against Joe O'Connor on Wednesday, February 4.
"Many of you have asked when I’d come back, and now here’s the answer: the Hong Kong Grand Prix, and I’ll see you at the venue.
"I’ve always loved the lights here and the passion of the snooker fans, so get ready to cheer. I’ll bring my cue, and my best form.
"Let’s create some more special moments, and I’ll see you in Hong Kong. Be there, or be square."
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The World Grand Prix will run from Tuesday, February 3 to Sunday, February 8.
All the matches will be the best of nine frames before two best-of-11 frame semi-finals and a best-of-19 frame final.
Neil Robertson is the defending champion following his 10-0 whitewash win over Stuart Bingham last March.
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Robertson lands historic World Grand Prix final whitewash via stunning long plant
Video credit: TNT Sports
World Grand Prix first round draw
- Neil Robertson Aus (1) v Jak Jones Wal (32)
- Zhou Yuelong Chn (16) v Stephen Maguire Sco (17)
- Mark Allen NI (9) v Ali Carter Eng (24)
- Judd Trump Eng (8) v Yuan Sijun Chn (25)
- Wu Yize Chn (5) v Anthony McGill Sco (28)
- Jack Lisowski Eng (12) v Chang Bingyu Chn (21)
- Barry Hawkins Eng (13) v Ding Junhui Chn (20)
- Mark Williams Wal (4) v Zhang Anda Chn (29)
- Shaun Murphy Eng (3) v Pang Junxu Chn (30)
- Gary Wilson Eng (14) v Si Jiahui Chn (19)
- Xiao Guodong Chn (11) v Kyren Wilson Eng (22)
- Ronnie O'Sullivan Eng (6) v Joe O'Connor Eng (27)
- Chris Wakelin Eng (7) v Thepchaiya Un-Nooh Tha (26)
- Elliot Slessor Eng (10) v Stuart Bingham Eng (23)
- John Higgins Sco (15) v Zhao Xintong Chn (18)
- - -
Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the German Masters, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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