Baby boy frees Carter for Glasgow

Carter beat Joe Swail in the Welsh Open final to win his first major title

The birth of son Max has ensured world number five Ali Carter a clean run at the weekend's Glasgow Grand Prix.

The Welsh Open champion had expected to return home early from the Kelvin Hall event to attend the birth, but was surprised by Max's timely arrival.

"I honestly thought I was going to be in Glasgow when I got the call and if so I had every intention to withdraw," he said.

"Obviously I'd love to make it a double by winning in Glasgow."

Fellow Englishman Robert Milkins will attempt to overcome the 50 ranking places separating him from Carter in the first round of the tournament.

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But Carter, who lost to Liang Wenbo in the second round of the Shanghai Masters last time out, is determined to extend his stay beyond the opening few days.

"I aim to stay there as long as possible - it might be the last decent sleep I get for a while!"