Two-time Crucible finalist Ali Carter overcame a neck injury to book his place in the first round 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 but was pegged back to 4-3 before assuming control again to take six of the next eight frames as he sealed his win.
“I have had a terrible neck ache to the extent I was in excruciating pain playing Ian Burns and if I had gone 6-3 behind I was seriously going to withdraw,” said Carter, who at 18th in the world, is the highest-ranked player to come through the qualification rounds.
“I managed to clear up to go 5-4 and then I played some decent stuff in the evening.
“I was in agony and it is still not right now but I am battling through. A lot of players get problems with their necks because we are in a unusual position down on shots. I can get home and try and get some physiotherapy.”
The draw for the opening round of matches at snooker’s blue-riband event will take place on Thursday at 08:45 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live, with it also being streamed on the BBC Sport website and BBC iplayer.
The World Championship gets under way at 10:00 BST on Saturday, 19 April, with defending champion and top seed Kyren Wilson in action.
The final takes place over two days starting on Sunday, 4 May, with £500,000 for the winner.
