Ali Carter admits breaking his seven-year title drought at the 2023 BetVictor German Masters came as a big relief and has acted as a catalyst for regaining his place at snooker’s top table.
Carter lifted the Brandon Parker Trophy 12 months ago in Berlin after thrashing Tom Ford 10-3 in the final. It was the fifth ranking event win of his career and ended a title winning drought which extended back to the 2016 World Open.
Since then, the Captain has gone on to appear in two further major finals. He first battled to the title match at the Wuhan Open, before going down 10-7 against Judd Trump. Carter then made the final of the Masters for a second time and was beaten 10-7 by Ronnie O'Sullivan in a fiery encounter.
Next week sees Carter return to Berlin to defend his German Masters crown. He faces a tricky opening tie against Michael White on Monday afternoon. Looking back on last year, Carter fully appreciates the importance of landing another big title.
“It sets you up. Being in the top 16 for possibly two seasons after winning. You are in all the big events, mixing it and reminding yourself every week of where you are and that you are a top player. That is important."
Ali Carter
BetVictor German Masters Champion
Carter added: “A lot of things lined up that week. I played well and it was meant to be. Sometimes all the holes line up and you go right though to the end. Other times you can lose in a semi or a final that you should have won and it wasn’t meant to be. From that point of view it was very pleasing that it was successful week.”
The atmospheric Tempodrom is fast becoming one of snooker’s most revered venues. The arena holds over 2000 fans and generates a unique atmosphere. Reflecting on stepping out in the single table set up 12 months ago, Carter admits it was a special feeling to triumph on such a big stage again.
“It was a massive relief. It is a massive tournament out there, so for me to win after seven years was all the more special. The Tempodrom is a special place to play. For me, I know it isn’t one of the biggest ranking events, a lot of the players see it as one of the biggest. It gets so well supported and there is such a great atmosphere there.
“It is an unbelievable place to walk out to and to play snooker. I can only put it second to the Masters and walking out there in the final. That is a massive buzz, but the German Masters is not far behind that.
“I was 2-0 behind in the final. I just thought that he played well in the first couple of frames and I took off. I wasn’t flustered. You don’t want to be 2-0 down before you’ve seen a ball, particularly in a final. At that time I just remained calm and I was confident that if I did get my chances I would take them. It worked out that way.
“If you don’t take advantage (of a lead) and you let someone off the hook, all sorts of things start happening. The balls turn against you. You start feeling the pressure a bit more when you know you’ve had someone by the jugular and you let them off. It isn’t a nice feeling.”