Just over a year ago, 21-year-old Tiptree snooker ace Ali Carter won his first professional title when he beat Simon Bedford 9-4 in the final of the Benson & Hedges Championship.

Earlier this year Ali beat six-times world champion Steve Davis 6-5 at Wembley in the Benson & Hedges Masters before being knocked out in the next round by Ken Doherty.

Ali, who is single, practises at the Witham Snooker Bowl. At the moment he is busily honing his skills to compete in the forthcoming Asian Open, the Regal Scottish and the World Championships, the first of which is in February.

We asked Ali about his love of snooker, and his life away from the sport.

Most memorable moment in snooker: It has to be when I beat Steve Davis 6-5 at Wembley in the Benson and Hedges Championship.

Worst moment in snooker: Getting beaten by Ken Doherty in the next round, plus too many other moments to mention.

Snooker heroes: Jimmy White and Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Other sports followed: Golf.

Sports people you admire: Golfer Nick Faldo and snooker players Jimmy White and Steve Davis.

Favourite TV programmes: EastEnders.

Favourite films: Con Air and Star Wars.

Favourite music: General commercial and club music.

Ambitions in snooker: To become the world champion.

Motto in life: I haven't really got one.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.