“Winning the world championship would make all the decisions right,” said Ebdon after his latest setback. “But who knows what is going to happen in the next four weeks?.

“I know the longer matches will favour me and the conditions will be spot on.”

Ebdon played poorly in what turned out to be his final game before Sheffield but Carter produced some fine play, including the highest break of his career - a 142 to take a 4-1 lead.

In addition, the Tiptree player fired in a second-frame break of 116 and 76 in the third.

“Ali is a very good player and today he played better than I did,” said Ebdon. “The only way I can tell you whether it will be beneficial to have the extra practice time is after Sheffield.”

Carter now meets Glaswegian Graeme Dott or Irish Masters semi-finalist Dave Harold for a place in the quarter-finals.

Ebdon’s scalp means Carter has now beaten six players to have won the world title, although he has yet to feature in a major final.

“I’ve had three or four good days in tournaments but never put together a really good week,” he said.

“Hopefully I can have a good run here. But considering I was in hospital six weeks ago in screaming agony I have done miracles to get back to form.”