World Snooker and the WPBSA have announced today that Ali Carter’s seeding for the remainder of the 2014/15 season will be based on a world ranking of 13.
Carter was ranked 13th in May when he withdrew from the World Snooker Tour in order to receive treatment for lung cancer. At the time it was stated that: “Ali’s standing as a player will not suffer in relation to an extended period of time away from the tour.”
Following successful treatment, Carter returned to action at an exhibition event in Hong Kong last week, which he won, and the two-time World Championship finalist is now ready to return to the World Snooker Tour.
Carter will be seeded as if he was ranked 13th for the remaining events this season, including the Masters and the World Championship.
However his world ranking position will not be amended and he will not receive any prize money towards his ranking position for the events he has missed.
WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: “I have spoken at length with Ali and we are delighted to hear that his treatment has been successful and he wishes to return to full time participation on the Tour with immediate effect.
“Seeding him within the top 16 for the rest of the season will give him the opportunity to make up lost ground for the events he has missed and also give him his rightful earning opportunities in invitation events.”
World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn added: “Everyone who knows Ali will be thrilled that his treatment has been successful, and it’s fantastic news for our sport that he is returning to the action. He is a class act on and off the table and we look forward to seeing him play in the big events.”
Carter’s ranking of 13 also applies to the Champion of Champions event in Coventry (November 3-9) which means that he will earn a place in the tournament if the last two counting tournaments – Asian Tour event two and the International Championship – are both won by players who have already qualified.
