I’m a top snooker star diagnosed with testicular cancer – my young son’s inspirational message got me through it

ALI CARTER has set his sights on becoming world snooker champion after overcoming testicular and lung cancer.

The former world number two was in the final twice, in 2008 and 2012, and lost twice to Ronnie O’Sullivan.

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He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2014 and lung cancer a year later.

And he revealed his son’s support helped him push through.

Speaking to Eurosport, Carter said: “I found a lump in my, in my testicles and yeah I just thought I’d better go and get it checked.

“To be honest, it’s a whirlwind of emotions going through your head. And the moment you get the cancer diagnosis, you can’t process it. As simple as that.”

“I had my boy then. He was about four or five when I was just diagnosed and I went inside. And, you know, he just said, ‘Dad, you’re my best friend’ as I walked in the door.

“And I was like, ‘Wow, this is, you know, this is something. I have to get through this.’ And I was lucky enough to do that. I need to start making more memories I think.”

Carter is now ranked 20th in the world and most recently reached the final stages of the World Snooker Championship in 2019, finishing in the last eight.

He described playing at the Crucible as a “dream” and still believes he can win the World Snooker Championship as long as nemesis O’Sullivan retires.

Carter, 43, added: “It takes a lot to be a winner. But yeah I think I can win it one day when Ronnie retires.

“The World Cup is such a special event because becoming a world champion is a childhood dream for every player.

“There’s always twists, turns, tails, great matches, you know, drama, everything.

“It’s, you know. Pressure, you name it, it’s a whole cocktail of emotions. Being a part of that cocktail and mingling in it is a dream come true.”