By Richard Preen

World Ranking: 31
Date Of Birth: 25/07/79
Form: QF/R32/R32/R48/R16
World Championship best: Pre-qualifiers

Previously a member of the WPBSA Young Player of Distinction Scheme, Ali Carter has made a rapid move up the world rankings.

Carter, originally starting out at ranking 286, has made big inroads in each of his six seasons and now finds himself provisionally ranked 20 in the world.

The hotshot from Tiptree in Essex will be eager to continue his assault against the game's top players having already gained notable victories against most of the top seeds he's played.

His biggest achievement on the pro circuit came in 1999 when he stormed through to the semi-finals of the Grand Prix taking out Stephen Hendry and Marco Fu among others.

Following on from the Grand Prix, Carter competed at the Benson and Hedges Championships, a tournament for players ranked outside the top 16.

His impressive run continued and lifted the trophy at Malvern earning a wild card entry to the Benson and Hedges Masters, the event for the top 16 seeds.

These notable tournament runs provided Ali with the accolade of being voted the Newcomer of the Year in 1999.

The 2001/02 season has been the most successful season for Ali when he climbed 30 places in the world rankings and gained his top 32 spot at 31st position.

His rise incorporated a quarter-final position in the British Open and a last 16 berth at the Scottish Open.

As practice partner of Ronnie O'Sullivan it's likely Carter will continue to develop and rise through the games echelons.

This season has been reasonably solid for Carter where he again reached the quarter-finals of the British Open.

In the qualifying he overcame Patrick Wallace 10-6 and looks a great each way value bet at 200/1 going into the Sheffield fortnight.