Ali Carter relishing world title bid as hot streak continues at Players Championship snooker – ‘I’m at home there’

Ali Carter has lost twice in World Championship finals to snooker GOAT Ronnie O’Sullivan, but feels his form is good enough to go one better in Sheffield this year.

Carter is up to 15th in the world and is provisionally seeded 13th for the World Championship which means he will avoid a trip to the qualifiers after losing 10-8 to Matthew Stevens in the last 48 last year.

“I think my game is suited to the World Championship, I like the longer formats,” said Carter, who has also reached the semi-finals and three quarter-finals after first qualifying for the Crucible 20 years ago.

“Obviously, I’m at home there, I’ve played there for many, many years and had a lot of success there.

“The only thing I haven’t done is won it. My game is in the best shape. Who knows what can happen in the next few weeks?

“I’m just really positive. I’m a great believer in the bonus never came my way so something bigger and better is on its way to me.”

Carter admits his weekend could have been better after seeing Milkins deny him £150,000 with a 9-7 victory over Shaun Murphy in Llandudno, but refuses to accept he had any right to the bonus cash.

“I obviously wanted to win the money, of course I did, anyone would have in my position. However, I like Rob and I didn’t want him to lose. He won so good on him.

“He didn’t pinch it off me. He won the tournament so thoroughly deserved the bonus.

“That is in the past now. There is no point worrying about the past. Lets concentrate on the now.

“The confidence is really high. It is one match at a time, four matches to win the tournament and I’ve got two under my belt.”

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