Two-time Crucible finalist Ali Carter overcame a neck damage to ebook his place within the first spherical of the World Championship with a 10-5 victory over China’s He Guoqiang in qualifying.
The 45-year-old Englishman established a 4-0 lead early on however was pegged again to 4-3 earlier than assuming management once more to take six of the following eight frames as he sealed his win.
“I’ve had a horrible neck ache to the extent I used to be in excruciating ache taking part in Ian Burns and if I had gone 6-3 behind I used to be critically going to withdraw,” stated Carter, who at 18th on the planet, is the highest-ranked participant to come back via the qualification rounds.
“I managed to clear as much as go 5-4 after which I performed some respectable stuff within the night.
“I used to be in agony and it’s nonetheless not proper now however I’m battling via. Numerous gamers get issues with their necks as a result of we’re in a weird place down on photographs. I can get house and try to get some physiotherapy.”
The draw for the opening spherical of matches at snooker’s blue-riband occasion will happen on Thursday at 08:45 BST on BBC Radio 5 Reside, with it additionally being streamed on the BBC Sport web site and BBC iplayer.
The World Championship will get beneath means at 10:00 BST on Saturday, 19 April, with defending champion and prime seed Kyren Wilson in motion.
The ultimate takes place over two days beginning on Sunday, 4 Might, with £500,000 for the winner.
