Ali Carter dumps Stoke Potter Dave Harold

The 2008 finalist Ali Carter survived a scare but overcame Dave Harold 10-3.

Carter had cruised into an 8-1 lead but had to watch Harold pinch the evening's opening two frames before securing victory with a 61.

Essex's Carter, whose highest break of the match was only 80, will next play either Graeme Dott or Mark King and said: "It was a tough game. It was always going to be."

Harold at least had something to celebrate after watching his team Stoke City reach the FA Cup final. A card signed by the team had sat on his table throughout the encounter.