BASILDON potter Stuart Bingham has offered his support to fellow Essex professional Ali Carter who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

The 34-year-old, from Chelmsford, only recovered from testicular cancer last year and now faces an intensive course of chemotherapy.

Stuart Bingham said on Twitter: “Thoughts are with @TheCaptain147 and his family. Keep punching mate. All the best x”

Jimmy White, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1995, wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely gutted for Ali, praying for you mate.”

Bingham, meanwhile, booked his place at the Wuxi Classic in China by beating James Cahill 5-3.

Bingham had to come from two frames down to secure the win.