Snooker: Cancer blow for Ali Carter

Ali Carter, twice a World Championship finalist, has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The 33-year-old, who has battled Crohn’s disease since being diagnosed with the illness in 2003, will have surgery today before beginning chemotherapy.

In a statement released by World Snooker, the world No 15 said: “I hope to be back in action soon.”

Carter reached world finals in 2008 and 2012 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan on both occasions.

World Snooker’s chairman, Barry Hearn, said: “We hope for a positive outcome and everyone in snooker is 100 per cent behind Ali.”