NORTH Essex snooker ace Ali Carter has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

A statement released on World Snooker's official website revealed Carter, 33, was given the news last week and would undergo surgery tomorrow.

Colchester-born Carter, who grew up in Tiptree and now lives in Chelmsford, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2003 and has had a well-documented struggle with the illness.

He said: "I hope to be back in action soon,"