Lee focused on Ebdon threat
Saturday, 28 April 2001 10:43Stephen Lee has warned title hopeful Peter Ebdon to bring his best form into their Embassy World Championship second-round clash tonight - or face an early exit. Ebdon has emerged as a genuine contender to lift the trophy on May 7 after winning two ranking tournaments this season, including the most recent, the Regal Scottish Open in Aberdeen.
But he is ranked seven places lower than Lee, who has been something of a forgotten man in this event while a host of other players have had their credentials talked up by various pundits. Lee was delighted with his 10-3 first-round win over former runner-up Nigel Bond and believes he is in the best shape yet to launch a serious challenge for the £250,000 top prize.
He faces a big test against Ebdon, but the world number five is confident that as long as he avoids the mental lapses that have been his downfall, he can produce what some would consider to be a surprise result.
"I've been losing concentration all season but if I can hold it, I don't miss much," said the 1998 Grand Prix champion from Trowbridge. "I'm looking forward to playing Peter. If I can't focus against him then I won't be focused against anyone because he is pretty focused. Peter is the sort of player who is hot and cold. He'll need to be hot against me because if he's not, I'll knock him out. I'm on form." (PA)
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
