Ali Carter planning return to snooker following cancer treatment

The 35-year-old, who has Crohn's disease and has also already successfully battled testicular cancer, began treatment following his diagnosis in May.

And the Colchester-born player revealed on social networking site Twitter that he has now finished chemotherapy and is closing in on a comeback.

Carter posted on his Twitter account: "I have now finished my chemotherapy and things are really positive.

"I'm feeling much better and it won't be long till I'm back playing again."

In his professional career, Carter has twice come close to reaching the pinnacle of his sport, losing in the World Championship final to Ronnie O'Sullivan in 2008 and 2012.

Carter has three ranking titles to his name, having won the Welsh Open in 2009, the Shanghai Masters in 2010 and the German Masters in 2013.