Peter Ebdon's bid to regain his Embassy world title ended against Lancashire hot potter Ian McCulloch in Sheffield tonight. The 2002 Crucible champion slumped to a 10-8 defeat against the 2002 British Open runner-up but admitted: "I really believed this was going to be my year. And I am sure I would have grown stronger throughout the tournament. Unfortunately we will never know."
Ebdon was arguably the form player coming to Sheffield after his recent victory in the Irish Masters and a run to the last four of the Players Championship. However, after stealing the 15th frame with a 57 clearance to black to lead 8-7, the wheels fell off for the Wellingborough star. "I did come here in form but I have been beaten by an outstanding performance," he admitted. "He has got a great chance of becoming a top 16 player and if he continues to play like that, who knows."
Ebdon's demise means he is the second top eight to crash out after the demise of Ken Doherty.
P Ebdon Eng 8-10 I McCulloch Eng
24-91 (67) 92-9 88-0 (88) 32-70 (61) 45-91 95-38 61-67 (53 Ebdon) 100-19 (71) 69-1 42-78 (71) 102-17 (62) 18-102 (72) 95-5 (62) 20-72 (65) 61-60 (57 Ebdon, 60 McCulloch) 36-70 1-84 34-69 (69)
Check out the rest of the World Championship action on Aertel at:
http://www.rte.ie/aertel/p205.htm
Filed by Barry J Whyte
