WORLD SNOOKER HAVE announced that Ali Carter is to undergo chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a form of lung cancer.
The 34-year-old returned to the game last August after he was given the all-clear for testicular cancer.
Carter — two times a runner-up of the World Snooker Championship — has subsequently withdrawn from the Wuxi Classic qualifiers as he prepares to undergo treatment.
A statement from World Snooker read: “It is with regret that World Snooker announces that world number 13 Ali Carter has been diagnosed with a form of lung cancer.
“Over the next few months Carter will be facing an intensive course of chemotherapy. The 34-year-old from Chelmsford battled testicular cancer last year.
“Carter, a winner of three ranking titles and twice runner-up at the World Championship, was due to play in the Wuxi Classic qualifiers in Gloucester this morning but has withdrawn from the event.”
Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, added: “ ”Ali is the toughest competitor I know and having spoken to him over the last few days I can assure everyone he has the fight to get through the battle ahead.
“I know that the world will be looking forward to Ali returning to action and I am sure that all of our friends, fans and partners will join with me in wishing Ali a full recovery.”
Carter won his first ranking title at the 2009 Welsh Open before adding the Shanghai Masters a year later, while his last tournament triumph came at the 2013 German Masters.
