Carter keen on Welsh return

Carter: Happy memories

I always knew I had the ability to win tournaments, it was a case of taking the pressure off myself and playing the game.

Ali Carter
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Ali Carter is relishing a return to the Welsh Open in January, to revisit the scene of his greatest win in snooker.

Carter secured his first ranking event victory at the Welsh Open last season, coming back from 5-2 in the final to beat Joe Swail 9-5.

It was a landmark victory for Carter and he is keen to enjoy more happy memories when he returns to the tournament at the Newport Centre from January 25 to 31, 2010.

Defending champion Carter takes on the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins, Stephen Hendry and Shaun Murphy in the Welsh Open in January.

The world number five from Tiptree in Essex will be delighted to return to Newport and is hoping to enjoy the same fortunes as last time out.

Massive

"It was a massive moment for me," said Carter. "It was a big relief to get a first ranking event under my belt.

"I'd had a great season up until that point but I lost three close matches in semi-finals, so to go all the way in Newport was a great way to lift the burden.

"I always knew I had the ability to win tournaments, it was a case of taking the pressure off myself and playing the game."

The event drew bumper crowds to Newport, with over 1300 fans attending the final, and this year organisers are hoping for a similar turnout.

The top 16 in the world qualify automatically for the Newport Centre, with qualifiers being held as usual in Prestatyn from January 19 to 22.

Stevens

Welshman Matthew Stevens is the exception though, as the world number 26 has had his qualifying match held over to the venue to give fans the chance to see him in action.

"It made for a great atmosphere and helped bring the best out of the players," added Carter. "Hopefully we'll get a lot of support again this time and I can have a good run."

The 30-year-old became a father for the first time just a few weeks ago, as partner Sarah gave birth to son Max.

"He's doing great, he's healthy and putting on weight," added the former Crucible finalist. "It definitely puts things into perspective and gives you more motivation to be successful.

"It does cause some disruption to your routine - instead of practising from 10am to 4pm, you find yourself in the club doing a couple of hours at 10pm. But that can be a good thing because it stops it getting mundane."