A weary Ali Carter accepted that the better man had won after falling to an 18-8 defeat to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the World Championship final in Sheffield.

Playing in his first major final, Carter struggled to compete over the two days, especially with the match coming on the back of a marathon 17-15 semi-final win over Joe Perry.

"I'm pleased obviously to get to the final; I'm disappointed I couldn't perform to my best but it was very tiring," he conceded in his post match interview.

"Ronnie made it very difficult, his safety was brilliant, and the better man won on the day really.

"Ronnie was in great form, he was always going to be the man to beat, he didn't fire on all cylinders, but nor did I, we tried to, but that is just the way it goes sometimes.

"I'm (came) here to try my absolute nuts off. I'm disappointed to come second but it has been a really good experience."

Despite falling in the final Carter said it was an immensely satisfying tournament, especially as a 147 earlier in the tournament saw him pick up an extra cheque of £78,500 to add to his runner-up prize of £125,000

"Obviously it was brilliant to do it (the 147) and Ronnie did one as well so it was great to make a maximum here," he said.

"There was a lot of pressure but it was a great experience.

"Top eight in the world, final of the world championships, and a 147, I would have taken that at the start of the season."

Seán Fay / Eurosport