Ali Carter, who five years ago was “happy to be alive” after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, is through to his first World Championship final after overcoming Joe Perry 17-15 at the Crucible Theatre.

Joe Perry and Ali Carter are still deadlocked as their 888.com World Championship semi-final heads for a thrilling climax at the Crucible Theatre.

Joe Perry regained the initiative in his 888.com World Championship semi-final with Ali Carter by winning all four frames before the mid-session interval to lead 11-9 in the best-of-33 meeting at the Crucible Theatre.

Joe Perry negotiated his first hurdle at the Welsh Open by beating former world champion John Parrott 5-2 in the first round in Newport tonight.

Stephen Hendry came close to denying maximum man John Higgins the full share of his £25,000 cash bonus during his 5-0 defeat of Joe Perry at the British Open in Brighton tonight.