Joe Swail let slip the perfect opportunity to win his first ranking title last night.

He led opponent Ali Carter 5-3 going into the final session of the Wales Open but in the end lost seven frames in a row to lose 9-5.

During one five-frame stretch Carter outscored Swail 476-17, clearly benefiting hugely from the interval between sessions.

"I learnt a lot from getting to the World Championship final last year but it was a really tough match today," said Carter.

"Joe made it really difficult in the first session, I was pleased to come out and play well in the second session.

"At 5-2 down I just wanted to get out of the session and come back tonight. I've been playing well for a while, it was just a mater of staying patient.

"I'm so pleased I've achieved my dream of winning an event.”

"They say once you get the first one there are many more to come and I hope there are."

Swail, appearing in the first ranking final of his 18-year career, said: "It means a lot to reach the final.

"I was 5-2 up but let it go a wee bit, but fair play to Ali, he played brilliantly tonight and there was not a lot I could do.

"It's a nice feeling to actually get to a final but it's disappointing and frustrating to go all the way and lose."

The early stages were littered with mistakes, Carter going 2-1 ahead with a 41 clearance after Swail missed a simple pink when looking set to take the frame.

Swail hit back with a break of 60 to make it 2-2 but soon had his head in his hands after missing another pot while on the verge of restoring his lead.

This time it did not prove costly however, Carter missing a tricky red while stretching over the blue to allow Swail back in.

Swail won a scrappy sixth frame as well and it was Carter's turn to look distressed in his chair as he fell 5-2 behind.

The world championship runner-up regained his composure with a break of 54 to reduce the gap to 5-3 and give himself a fighting chance in the best-of-17 clash.

Carter got off to a flying start in the evening session, compiling a break of 116 after Swail had gone in-off after fluking a red into the middle pocket.

The Essex professional then compiled breaks of 32 and 109 to level at 5-5 and further runs of 61, 91 and 67 put him 8-5 ahead.

Swail looked like keeping the match alive but broke down after a break of 45 and Carter compiled a 39 clearance to seal victory.