Tiptree snooker ace Ali Carter is looking forward to the challenge of world number two Mark Williams in the second round of the Welsh Open.

The 24-year-old booked his place in tonight's showdown after a convincing 5-2 victory over qualifier Adrian Gunnell.

Carter said: "I felt I played a solid game against Gunnell and now I have a big challenge against Williams."

The match will be Williams' first in the competition, with the former world champion having received a bye into the second round.

He had a perfect warm-up for the tournament, though, when he beat Paul Hunter 5-1 in the Premier Snooker League in Colchester last Thursday. That evening he scored three centuries on his way to victory.

This, however, does not faze Carter. "He's on top of his game, but so am I," he said.

"It will be a good game and you've got to beat the best if you want to win these tournaments."

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Published Wednesday, January 19, 2005

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