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Snooker Wuhan Open

AWOL snooker stars have missed a trick by skipping 'massive' Wuhan Open, says Ali Carter

ByTNT Sports

Updated 14/10/2023 at 15:07 GMT+1

Wuhan Open finalist Ali Carter has told world champion Luca Brecel he has "missed a trick" by opting out of travelling to China for this week's Wuhan Open. Brecel has apparently headed for a week's holiday in Europe, while the World Snooker Tour returns to China for its first ranking event since 2019. Carter booked his spot in the showpiece final with a 6-2 win over Lyu Haotian on Saturday.

Carter 'sails' into final of Wuhan Open with victory over Lyu

Video credit: TNT Sports

Ali Carter booked his place in the Wuhan Open final with a 6-2 semi-final win over Lyu Haotian on Saturday then told the sport's AWOL stars they 'missed a trick' by skipping the lucrative event.

World champion Luca Brecel, Mark Williams, Graeme Dott and David Gilbert all opted out of making the journey to China for the country's first landmark ranking tournament since 2019 after the global pandemic.

Carter appreciates the reasons for Williams deciding on a time-out after winning the British Open and reaching the English Open last 16 in successive weeks, but does not understand why other players would avoid the trip.

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“We all had preconceptions of what Wuhan was like, because of the reputation in the press of what happened here a few years ago, but we’ve all been pleasantly surprised. It is a massive city," said the German Masters champion, who produced breaks of 64, 81, 96, 122, 91 and 70 in winning the final four frames against Lyu, a surprise 5-1 winner against Ronnie O'Sullivan in the quarter-finals.

"I think the players that stayed at home and decided not to play have missed a trick. I think this is one of the best China events, without a doubt.

"I can understand Mark Williams not coming, because obviously he had a great week then he was straight into the English Open. So he needed to rest up.

Carter 'stamps his authority' on semi-final with century

Video credit: TNT Sports

"But anybody else that decided not to come... I know it's a trek to get here, but the rewards are there if you have a good week.

"I've taken advantage of that. I'm in a final and it is big prize money on the one-year list which probably guarantees my place in the Grand Prix, Players Championship and maybe even the Tour Championship.

"Everything is good, and we're pushing in the right direction. The bonus is on Monday morning, I'll be getting on a flight with the trophy under my arm or the runners-up cheque, so it is all good."

Carter will meet English Open winner Judd Trump in Sunday's best-of-19 frame final with the winner picking up a £140,000 and the runner-up earning £63,000.

"Anyone will tell you that it is never easy to get over the line and reach a big final," said Carter. "To clear up and make it a relatively easy day’s work was pleasing.

"After beating Ronnie yesterday, all eyes would have been on him (Lyu). But he’ll come again, and lives to fight another day."