Carter vows speedy return to snooker

Cueist diagnosed with cancer; surgery expected today.

Former world championship finalist Ali Carter expressed his eagerness to return to action as soon as possible after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, according to the BBC.

Major ailments are nothing new for the 33-year-old who has previously fought a battle with the debilitating Crohn’s disease. He received the diagnosis for cancer last week and is expected to undergo surgery today.

He will then begin chemotherapy, but is focusing on a quick return to the snooker tour.

“I hope to be back in action soon,” Carter said in a statement on World Snooker’s official website.

Nicknamed ‘The Captain’, Carter has won three ranking titles in his career, reaching number two in the world rankings at one stage. He is a two-time Crucible finalist – losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan in both their meetings in the finals of 2008 and 2012.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn added, “Ali has shown in his battle against Crohn’s disease that he is a fighter. We hope for a positive outcome and everyone in snooker is 100% behind him. We look forward to seeing him back on the circuit soon.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2^nd, 2013.

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