MARK WILLIAMS CRUSHED AGAIN! ALI CARTER TURNS 5–3 DEFICIT INTO 9–6 TRIUMPH IN THRILLING ENGLISH OPEN FINAL
Ali Carter produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Mark Williams 9–6 and lift the 2026 English Open title in an unforgettable final.
Williams, chasing another major title after reaching the World Snooker Championship final earlier in the year, looked in control when he opened up a 5–3 advantage. But just when it seemed the Welshman had the upper hand, Carter, known affectionately as “The Captain”, dug deep and delivered an extraordinary second-session performance.
Carter reeled off six consecutive frames to overturn the deficit and complete a stunning 9–6 victory. The triumph was a powerful reward for a player whose career has been marked not only by his talent at the table but also by remarkable perseverance through difficult personal and profeALI CARTER CROWNED ENGLISH OPEN CHAMPION 🏆
Ali Carter produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Mark Williams 9–6 and lift the 2026 English Open title in an unforgettable final.
Williams, chasing another major title after reaching the World Snooker Championship final earlier in the year, looked in control when he opened up a 5–3 advantage. But just when it seemed the Welshman had the upper hand, Carter, known affectionately as “The Captain”, dug deep and delivered an extraordinary second-session performance.
Carter reeled off six consecutive frames to overturn the deficit and complete a stunning 9–6 victory. The triumph was a powerful reward for a player whose career has been marked not only by his talent at the table but also by remarkable perseverance through difficult personal and professional moments.
For Williams, it was another painful defeat on a big stage. After being beaten by Zhao Xintong in the World Championship final earlier in 2026, the 51-year-old veteran will once again have to settle for the runner-up position. Hard luck, Willo.
The result also sparked plenty of debate among snooker fans. Social media user Eddie M captured the complicated feelings surrounding Carter:

Another fan offered a more sceptical view, asking whether Carter sometimes appears to carry “a chip on his shoulder,” while still acknowledging the quality of his achievement.
Whatever opinions surround his personality, there was no denying Carter’s performance when it mattered most.
From 5–3 down to 9–6 champion — The Captain has finally steered himself to English Open glory.
🏆 ALI CARTER — 2026 ENGLISH OPEN CHAMPION
🎱 Ali Carter 9–6 Mark Williamsssional moments.
For Williams, it was another painful defeat on a big stage. After being beaten by Zhao Xintong in the World Championship final earlier in 2026, the 51-year-old veteran will once again have to settle for the runner-up position. Hard luck, Willo.
The result also sparked plenty of debate among snooker fans. Social media user Eddie M captured the complicated feelings surrounding Carter:
> “I’ve always been a fan of Mark Williams but I’m glad Ali Carter won. He doesn’t endear himself to the fans, but he has been through a Hell of a lot in his life and thoroughly deserves a win for his perseverance and personal courage.”
Another fan offered a more sceptical view, asking whether Carter sometimes appears to carry “a chip on his shoulder,” while still acknowledging the quality of his achievement.
Whatever opinions surround his personality, there was no denying Carter’s performance when it mattered most.
From 5–3 down to 9–6 champion — The Captain has finally steered himself to English Open glory.
🏴🏴🏆English Open 2026🏆🏴🏴
✈️👨✈️ THE CAPTAIN 👨✈️✈️
🏴🏴🏆 Ali Carter 🏆🏴🏴
🎊🎊🎉🏆CHAMPIONS 🏆🎉🎊🎊
Final
Ali Carter 9 – 6 Mark Williams
Semi – Finals
Ding Junhui 2 – 6 Ali Carter
Quarter – Finals
Zhou Yuelong 5 – 6 Ali Carter
Last 16
Ali Carter 4 – 2 Gong Chenzhi
Last 32
Ali Carter 4 – 0 Robbie Williams
Last 64
Ali Carter 4 – 1 Jackson Page
He won the championship, taking home a prize of £100,000 and moving up to 16th in the world rankings.
English Open 2026 Prize money 💷
Winner: £100,000
Runner-up: £45,000
Semi-finals: £21,000
Quarter-finals: £13,200
Last 16: £9,000
Last 32: £5,400
Last 64: £3,600
Last 96: £1,000
High Break: £5,000
Total £550,400
