ALI Carter is hoping his career takes off after reaching the final of the 888.com World Snooker Championship.

The Colchester-born potter lost 18-8 to fellow Essex star Ronnie O'Sullivan in yesterday's final at The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

But it was still a momentous effort by the 28-year-old, who battled through previous rounds against Barry Hawkins, Shaun Murphy, Peter Ebdon and then Joe Perry in a thrilling 17-15 success late on Saturday.

It was his first ranking final and he can also reflect on climbing to number seven in the world rankings and notching a maximum 147 during his match with Ebdon.

Carter, who grew up in Tiptree but now lives in Chelmsford, said: "I was pleased to get to the final but disappointed I didn't perform at my best.

"It was very tiring."