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Crucible Quarter-Final Preview: Grinder Ebdon can edge Carter out

Paul Krishnamurty sees 2002 champion winning a tight one as 888.com World Championship gets serious

PETER EBDON v ALI CARTER

The betting here is virtually even, with Ebdon a [1.9] favourite, and everything points to a very close affair. Both have played well in one match, less so in the other. I watched both of their first-round matches live, and thought Carter very unconvincing in defeating Barry Hawkins. In stark contrast, Ebdon played a superb final session to edge out Jamie Cope. Those form indicators were reversed in the second round, with Ebdon's match against Mark King a turgid affair whilst Carter stepped up considerably to produce a big shock in the form of a 13-4 win over Shaun Murphy.

I'll be surprised if this game doesn't produce an exciting final session, and given the pressure involved, Ebdon's proven temperament and Crucible experience make him a worthy favourite. The 2002 champion has excelled in these situations time and again to enhance a distinguished Crucible record. In two of the last three years, Ebdon has beaten far stronger quarter-final opponents here in O'Sullivan and Murphy.

Temperament and nerve in that predicted final session are going to be paramount, and there's nobody stronger in that department than Ebdon. In contrast, there are very few top-16 players I'd less fancy in a pressure cooker situation than Carter who has frequently flattered to deceive in his career to date. 'The Captain' lost a final-frame decider at this stage last year, and my guess is a similar fate awaits.

Selections:

EBDON TO WIN 13-12 @ [11.0]
EBDON TO WIN 13-11 @ [11.0]
EBDON TO WIN 13-10 @ [11.0]