Carter Wins First Ranking Final Against an All-Time Great

Ali Carter beat Mark Williams 9–6 to win the 2026 English Open at the Brentwood Centre, securing his seventh career ranking title on 13 September.

Three centuries, then a shift

Carter and Williams traded three century breaks inside the first five frames, before Williams snatched two tight frames late to carry a 5–3 lead into the interval.

When the evening session began, the contest turned. Williams could not reproduce his earlier level, and Carter took full control.

Six frames from seven

Carter swept six of the last seven frames to turn a two-frame deficit into a commanding victory.

The 47-year-old collected the £100,000 winner's prize and the Steve Davis Trophy. The result also guarantees Carter a return to the world's top 16 and an invitation to the Champion of Champions.

Beating an all-time great

Carter's path to the final had already demanded resolve: a 6–5 quarter-final escape against Zhou Yuelong after trailing by two frames with three to play, then a 6–2 semi-final win over Ding Junhui. Yet the final held a deeper significance.

"I've had a tough time with Ronnie in Triple Crown events, so to play Mark Williams and win today in front of my home crowd is a dream come true," Carter said. He noted it was the first time he had defeated one of the sport's all-time greats in a ranking final.

He landed with the trophy.