England's Ali Carter claimed his first English Open title with a dominant 9-6 victory over Mark Williams in Brentwood. The 47-year-old Essex-born player, battling Crohn's disease and a history of cancer, won all but one frame in the evening session to secure the £100,000 winner's prize. Neither player had previously won the English Open, with Wales' Williams leading 5-3 at the interval.

Carter levelled the match by winning the first two frames after the resumption and never trailed thereafter. In a heartfelt post-match interview, Carter stated, "I kept potting the big shots and knocking all the difficult balls in. I am delighted." He added, "I have been to hell and back.

I know I am not everyone's cup of tea, but what you see is what you get." This victory marks his seventh ranking title and his first since 2024, moving him back into the world's top 16. Carter expressed his joy, saying, "It is a great achievement to pick up another trophy at 47, especially in front of my home fans.".