The biggest tournament in the snooker calender starts this weekend and Tiptree's Ali Carter is ready for it.

"It's on the television and everyone sees it. It really is the biggest event in the snooker calendar," he said.

The 23-year-old's great showing at the Regal Scottish Open last week, where he defeated current world champion Peter Ebdon, leaves the current world number 31 in good form.

Carter told the Evening Gazette: "I'm glad I managed to get myself three matches before the final.

"I'm especially happy that I beat Edbon. It gives me a lot more confidence going into the match."

Carter's success is particularly amazing given that his preperations for the Regal Scottish Open were given a huge setback when he had to go into hospital suffering from Chrons Disease.

The painful disease occurs when part of the intestine gets kinked or bent.

Carter found himself in hospital and having to undergo surgery to have part of his gut removed.

The disease has left Carter more reflective on his life.

He said: "It's made me more focused. It's made me think maybe snooker is not the be all and end all.

"I get less stressed now and I'm more relaxed at the table, which is a great bonus."

Carter starts his campaign on Wednesday, April 24 against Paul Hunter, starting at 2.30pm

Published Friday, April 18, 2003

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