Last Updated: Sun, 04 May 2008 14:55
Ali Carter is relishing the chance to take on Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Crucible final and is thankful he has a shot at the title.
The Captain is making his first appearance in the World Championship final after outlasting Joe Perry 17-15 in his semi-final clash and now takes on two-time winner O'Sullivan.
Carter has never beaten The Rocket in eight previous meetings and is a big outsider to end his drought in this contest, but he is looking forward to the chance for glory and insists he will just keep plugging away to see what happens.
He said: "My physical energy is there. Mentally I am tired but I am sure Ronnie is mentally tired as well. I know he is strong favourite against me.
"I'm just going to keep punching and, if I am still there in the final session, we'll have a look at things then.
"The intensity here is a lot bigger than any other event but it is only for two weeks of the year and I think we can get over it as players.
"I've been beaten every time by Ronnie. But I'll trade all those eight times for this one so there is no hang-up for me. He can have the next 80 matches if I have this one.
"It is every player's dream to be world champion and to have a shot at it is very special and will stay with me for a long time.''