THE heat is on for Ali Carter at the Welsh Open in more ways than one as he prepares for a likely third-round clash with John Higgins.

The Colchester-born potter arrived in Newport full of confidence after winning his Championship League group last week and has successfully negotiated his way past Daniel Wells (4-3) and Aaron Hill (4-1) in the opening two rounds.

Higgins – who has won more Welsh Open titles than anyone else – lies in wait should the Scot overcome Ben Woollaston in the first of what could be a double-header for Carter, with the fourth round taking place on the same day.

“I prefer that – you know if you get through tomorrow you’re going deep in the event,” he said.

“If you’re playing the likes of John Higgins, you know you’re competing and in the right place.

“But I hope I get more sleep tonight – I’m in the hottest hotel room of all time.

“My room was 26 degrees and I messed about with the heating for an hour before giving up. I got about half an hour’s sleep.”

Carter’s best run this season came at the Northern Ireland Open, where he reached the semi-finals, and the 41-year-old hopes to go further in the latest of the Home Nations Series.

“I took a bit of confidence from winning the Championship League group,” he said.

“My season hasn’t really kicked off apart from that good run in the Northern Ireland Open, so it’s nice to get a few wins under my belt and it’s a good chance to go further tomorrow.

“I had to use all my experience to get past Aaron (Hill) – he’s a great young prospect.

“4-1 on paper looks like an easy win but I can assure you it wasn’t. It was a tough, hard-fought match and I’m delighted to get through.”

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