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THE reality of what he has achieved is only just sinking in for star potter Ali Carter.

Speaking to the Weekly News the week after he was runner-up in the 888.com World Snooker Championships Carter, 28, who grew up in mid Essex and co-owns Chelmsford Snooker Club, said all he accomplished throughout the two week tournament at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield was "starting to sink in now".

Ali made it through to the first ranking final of his career, only to be beaten by fellow Essex boy and red-hot favourite to take the title, Ronnie O'Sullivan.

He also achieved his first 147 maximum break in his professional career - and made history by following O'Sullivan's a day later, the first time such a thing has happened in a top-flight tournament.

However, his success was tinged with an element of sadness. Carter lost both his grandmothers just three weeks before the tournament began and admits it was hard to lift himself from that.

"It was a big shock," he told the Weekly News.

"I had to miss one of the funerals because I was playing but that was actually the day I got my 147.

"To do it there was awesome, but it was a bit eerie too that, when I produced the best snooker of my career they weren't here to see it.

"They both followed my career and would've been really proud."

Carter, now ranked number seven in the world, kicked off his fortnight-long campaign by beating Barry Hawkins. He then followed up with successes against former champions Shaun Murphy and Peter Ebdon before facing Cambridge's Joe Perry in a thrilling semi-final.

The tussle was close from start to finish but he eventually triumphed 17-15 to reach the final.

Ali explained he wasn't sure what made the tournament different and more successful for him than others he has played in - but he did adopt new tactics.

He explained: "I had a game plan that I stuck to, and it worked. I dissected the longer sessions into mini-sessions so it didn't seem like there was as far to go.

"I didn't stick to it in the final, though, and I'm disappointed about that, but I just ran out of steam.

"My semi-final was a real marathon and mentally draining. Ronnie had a day-and-a-half off before the final and that was a big advantage for him.

"It was a massive game for me - but I didn't have anything left.

"I can build on it, though, and when I get there again I'll know how to approach it and what it's about."

Ali's profile within the media has also been raised thanks to what he has achieved, but it's something he feels comfortable with.

He explained he received media training as a youngster and, as part-owner of Chelmsford Snooker Club, the extra attention can "only be a good thing", adding: "It's been great for business as well. Everyone's been so supportive and people have come up to congratulate me - sometimes it would be nice to be more conspicuous, but it's part of the game and I couldn't wish to do anything better."

Carter hadn't picked up his cue since the final until he travelled to China this week to play in an exhibition match alongside snooker legends including Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams and Marco Fu.

He will then have his sights set on the forthcoming UK Championships.

3:24pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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