2024 Masters: Ali Carter Beats Reigning Champion Judd Trump To Reach Semi-Finals

In an intense bout at Alexandra Palace, Ali Carter secured a hard-fought 6-5 victory over reigning champion Judd Trump, propelling himself into the semi-finals of the Masters.

The match unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, with Carter initially establishing a 4-2 lead through a display of exceptional snooker, marked by three half-centuries and a notable break of 103. However, Trump responded with a stunning break of 129, initiating a comeback by clinching three consecutive frames to take a 5-4 lead.

Amidst the tense atmosphere, Carter displayed nerves of steel in the 10th frame, executing a superb 43 clearance to draw level with his formidable opponent. The momentum swung in Carter's favour in the decisive moments, as he sealed the victory with a fine run of 64 in the decider, ultimately securing his spot in the Masters semi-finals.

Carter's resilience and skill were evident throughout the match, making his triumph over the reigning champion a memorable highlight at Alexandra Palace. The topsy-turvey nature of the encounter showcased the competitive spirit of both players, but in the end, it was the Captain, who emerged victorious in this gripping quarter-final clash.

Reflecting on the match, Ali Carter delved into a crucial turning point that became the linchpin of his impending triumph. With a keen eye for the decisive moment, Carter revealed, "When I potted the third from last red to get on the blue. That's when I knew I'd won." This revelation not only emphasised the precision and strategic thinking that marked Carter's gameplay but also underscored the significance of a single shot in the intricate dance of snooker.

Additionally, the 44-year-old shed light on the persistent issue of insects infiltrating the arena and the stage at the Masters, attributing it to the age of the historic Alexandra Palace building. In a candid moment during the post-match interview, Carter humorously addressed the distracting presence of wasps and flies, providing insight into the challenges faced by players in maintaining focus during crucial moments.

"I'm trying not to get stung by a wasp or a fly landing on you or something like that. They should get rent a kill. I think that problem needs to be sorted," Carter remarked with a touch of light-heartedness, drawing attention to the peculiar predicament players find themselves in when dealing with unexpected visitors on the snooker stage.

"Judd made a hundred break and I didn't want to stop him. But I thought if it [a wasp] gets down and it was right on the back of his waistcoat, if he moves to the right and it crawls, it could sting him." Here, Carter highlighted the ethical dilemma he faced – torn between interrupting Trump's momentum to address the insect issue and the potential risk of causing harm to his opponent.

The recurring problem of insects in the venue, coupled with the historical significance of Alexandra Palace, added an extra layer of complexity to the already intense quarter-final clash. Carter's comments shed light not only on the unique challenges presented by the age of the venue but also on the sportsmanship and consideration displayed by players in navigating unexpected obstacles during high stakes matches.