Ali Carter still believes he can claim the biggest prize in snooker, but Ronnie O’Sullivan may have to retire first.
The Captain is back in the world’s top 16 after an excellent season, which has seen him win the German Masters and reach the final of the Players Championship.
That title in Berlin was his first ranking event win since 2016 and Carter appears as well equipped to challenge at the Crucible as ever, and the 43-year-old has twice been to the final in Sheffield.
Waiting for him in both those finals was O’Sullivan, who got the better of his fellow Essex man on each occasion, firstly in 2008 and again in 2012.
The pair have actually met a remarkable five times at the Crucible, with Carter getting the better f the Rocket just once and, while he likes his chances in Sheffield, he’d prefer it if O’Sullivan wasn’t in his way.
‘It takes a lot to be a winner. But yeah I believe I can win it one day, if Ronnie retires,’ Carter said on Eurosport’s Power of Sport.
‘The World Championship is such a special event because it’s a boyhood dream for every player to become world champion.
Carter v O’Sullivan Crucible Meetings
2018: Last 16
Carter 13-9 O’Sullivan
2013: Last 16
O’Sullivan 13-8 Carter
2012: Final
O’Sullivan 18-11 Carter
2008: Final
O’Sullivan 18-8 Carter
2005: Last 16
O’Sullivan 13-7 Carter
‘There’s always twists, turns, tails, great matches, you know, drama, everything. It’s, you know. Pressure, you name it, it’s a whole cocktail of emotions. To be a part of that cocktail and in there with it, mixing with it, is a dream come true.’
Two finals, a semi and three more quarter-finals at the Crucible suggest an in-form Carter can absolutely be a force again in Sheffield this year.
However, he has not won a match at the Crucible since 2019, twice failing to qualify in the last three years and losing to Jack Lisowski in 2021.
The 43-year-old will discover who he faces in the last 32 when the draw is made at 8.35am on Thursday live on BBC Radio Five Live.
MORE : ‘You’re just part of the Ronnie O’Sullivan show’ – How facing the Rocket at the Crucible makes you feel
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