legend conceded that he reflects with regret on last year's vitriolic outburst during his Masters win over Ali Carter - after the match, the Rocket aimed a foul-mouthed tirade at his rival following his eighth Masters victory.

O'Sullivan, now 49, was incensed, colouring the air with expletives after topping Carter 10-7, despite Carter condemning him for allegedly 'snotting' all over the place at Alexandra Palace.

As he prepares to return to Ally Pally and face off with John Higgins in what marks the event's 50th anniversary, O'Sullivan was reminded of his hasty exit from the previous year's press conference.

When questioned whether he can now look back on the incident with some humour, O'Sullivan, who had branded Carter 'a f***ing nightmare', reflected: "Yeah. It's just heat of the moment stuff."

"If I feel like I've got to say something I'll say it. It's nothing personal, just heat of the moment stuff. He's entitled to say what he's got to say, like I am.

"Do I regret saying it? Probably. I wish I'd kept my mouth shut and been a bit more polished with my answers, a bit more diplomatic.

"If I feel like I've got to say something I'll say it. It's nothing personal, just heat of the moment stuff. He's entitled to say what he's got to say, like I am."

Despite this admission, O'Sullivan shrugged off the significance of his comments: "But I've said what I've said and that's fine. It's only words innit?

"He goes back to his life, his family and I do. We only have to meet on the table, it's not like we're best mates but it's fine, we're both pretty grown up."

The 'Rocket' is set to ignite the 2025 season with a sensational opener against fellow titan Higgins.

The world's top snooker player, Judd Trump, who has already raked in close to a staggering £1.2 million this season, is not only on the hunt for his third Masters title but also a new record for the highest prize money won in a single campaign.

On the cusp of making history, the confident 'Ace in the Pack' could set a new benchmark if he makes it to the semi-finals.

"Any record you can set is a great achievement," Trump asserted. "Whether that's ranking titles, centuries or prize money. Having any record is great."