England's Ali Carter fought back from 5-2 down to defeat Northern Ireland's Joe Swail 9-5 in the Welsh Open final on Sunday.

Carter said he had been inspired to claw his way back by the humbling experience he suffered in last year's World Championship final where he had been swept aside 18-8 by Ronnie O'Sullivan in a brutally one-sided encounter.

"I learnt a lot from getting to the World Championship final, but it was a really tough match today," said Carter.

"Joe made it really difficult in the first session, I was pleased to come out and play well in the second session.

"At 5-2 down I just wanted to get out of the session and come back tonight. I've been playing well for a while, it was just a matter of staying patient.

"I'm so pleased I've achieved my dream of winning an event.

"They say once you get the first one, there are many more to come and I hope there are."

Swail, appearing in the first ranking final of his 18-year career, said: "I was 5-2 up but let it go a wee bit, but fair play to Ali, he played brilliantly tonight and there was not a lot I could do."

(AFP via China Daily Feburary 24, 2009)