Ali Carter makes winning return to snooker from cancer

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Carter lost 13-9 to Mark Selby in round two at the World Championship in April

Ali Carter returned to competitive action with a 4-1 victory against Marco Fu in the General Cup in Hong Kong.

The 35-year-old former world number two has already overcome testicular cancer, but has not played an event since being diagnosed with lung cancer in May.

He was due to play in Sofia last month only for pains in his left arm following treatment to force him out.

The General Cup is a non-ranking tournament, but Carter could feature in next month's coveted UK Championship.

A runner-up to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the World Championship final in both and 2012, Chelmsford's Carter made three breaks of 55 in a comfortable victory over home favourite Fu.

"All things considered, a great start for me beating a top player like Marco. Onwards and upwards."