Carter won the Paul Hunter Classic by defeating Shaun Murphy 4–3 in the final with a 95 break in the deciding frame, after a spirited fightback from Murphy to level it from 1–3 down. It was Carter's maiden European Tour title and his first ranking title since beating cancer. The win was especially fitting as the player it was named after, Paul Hunter, died of cancer in 2006. Carter lost 2–6 in the third round of the UK Championship to John Higgins. At the World Grand Prix he beat Luca Brecel 4–1 and Tom Ford 4–0 to reach his first ranking event quarter-final of the season, but lost 1–4 to Joe Perry.&lt;ref name="2015/16"&gt;&lt;/ref&gt; Another followed at the PTC Finals courtesy of knocking out Graeme Dott and Judd Trump both 4–1. In the quarters Ricky Walden eliminated him 4–1. Carter came through a trio of matches to qualify for the World Championship and held his nerve after leading defending champion Stuart Bingham 5–1 and 8–5 to beat him 10–9. Carter took a 9–7 advantage over Alan McManus after the second session of their second round match, but went on to lose 11–13.