Ali Carter confident ahead of World Snooker Championship title bid – 'I believe I can win it'
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ByEurosport
Published 13/03/2024 at 16:49 GMT
Ali Carter faces Louis Heathcote in the last 64 of the World Open in Yushan next week, but the two-time World Championship finalist already has one eye on challenging for the sport's biggest title at the Crucible next month. "Whether I win the World Championship or not, it doesn't matter, but I believe probably for the first time that I can win it," commented the world No. 8.
‘Hit a purple patch’ - Carter makes 127 to set Masters century record
Ali Carter hopes he can emulate his Masters form when he chases title glory at the 48th World Championship next month (April 20-6 May live on Eurosport and discovery+).
The world No. 8 reached the Crucible final in 2008 and 2012 – twice losing to old Essex rival Ronnie O'Sullivan (8-18 and 11-18 respectively) – but is aiming to make it third time lucky this season.
After being edged out 10-7 by O'Sullivan having led 6-3 in the final of the 50th Masters in January, Carter admits he is in positive frame of mind before making the trip to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Carter produced a record nine centuries at Alexandra Palace, defeating Mark Williams (6-4), Judd Trump (6-5) and Mark Allen (6-3) during his run to the final.
"When I played at the Masters back in January, I was telling myself I was going to win that event," said Carter on the World Snooker Tour podcast.
"Rather than telling yourself, you're going to lose or someone is going to beat you, why not tell yourself you are going to win it?
"I played really great stuff all week. That reminded me that I am a top player because to play well in that atmosphere, that environment, you have to have something about you.
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‘He’s beginning to annoy me’ - Carter reflects on Masters final defeat to O’Sullivan
"I know I didn't win it, but we had a really good game in the final, I made the most centuries that's been made there, and If I can take that form into the Crucible with that attitude, then with the sort of game I've got, I could be dangerous.
"Whether I win the World Championship or not, it doesn't matter, but I believe probably for the first time that I can win it.
"I'm not saying that in a big-headed way. I'm just telling you how I feel."
Carter has moved up to seventh in the latest provisional rankings for next season after starting last season as world No. 20 with the World Open, Tour Championship and World Championship over the next three months providing him with the chance to improve his lofty standing.
"I believe I'm playing better now than I've ever played, I'm making more centuries and getting down to the business end of more tournaments," he said.
"I'm back in the top eight after all these years because I've applied myself more. Being more professional about practise, about looking after myself and my attitude.
"I think I can score as well as anyone when my attitude is right. I have to work on my attitude, but scoring is a massive part of it, winning frames easy in one visit.
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Carter 'stamps his authority' on semi-final with century
"I can do that, and I do do that. Of course, we would all like to break build like Ronnie. Of course we would, but there is more than one way to go about this game.
"As good as Ronnie O'Sullivan is, he doesn't win every tournament. He pretty much does at the minute, the ones he enters, but there is room for other players to win."
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