Players / Alsy / 29 April 2008 /

Described as being a "grinder" and "determined" and once accused of "cheating" and "slow play" the 2002 World Champion Peter Ebdon is one of the hardest men in the world to beat, here's why...

If you asked snooker fans to describe Peter Ebdon in one word, you'd probably hear: "gritty" "intense" and "determined". With champions required to perform at the highest level for hours on end, these are all essential traits.

Ebdon certainly boasts all of the above along with deep reservoirs of concentration which he channeled to great effect in 2002 when winning the World Championships as a 33-1 outsider. When he triumphed over Stephen Hendry 18-17 I couldn't believe what I'd witnessed but as the years passed we learned that Ebdon would be respected by all but not loved by everybody.

Away from the table he's a reputation for being remote. I've no idea if that's actually true but Ebdon can have precious little time for socialising with such a hectic training routine. Endless hours on the practice tables are prerequisite but he also maintains a punishing physical routine that includes daily swims and a specialist lo-carb/sugar diet.

A couple of years after his triumph at the Crucible, it occurred to me that Ebdon would be a hero if he was American as they revere success borne of hard work and determination. In the UK winning is celebrated too but flair, creativity and all-important character are a must for all sportsmen aiming to win the hearts of the nation. That's why White and Higgins are remembered so fondly regardless of the titles they won... it was how they approached the game that mattered.

When Ebdon beat Ronnie O'Sullivan at the World Championships in 2005 he came from 10-6 down to win. A 13-11 victory against such a talent (reigning Champion at the time) should have brought plenty of plaudits but many were outraged by a perceived 'go-slow' approach that sent some viewers off to sleep and Ronnie off the deep end. In the 12th frame Ebdon took 5-and-a-half minutes to compile a break of 12 - that's ten seconds slower than the time O'Sullivan took to sink a maximum 147 at the Crucible in 1997.

Ebdon's determination was there for all to see... as was Ronnie's discomfort. At various times O'Sullivan gouged his forehead with his nails and asked a fan for the time. Knocking an opponent off their stride is nothing new in professional sport (while play was generally much slower in past eras) but his detractors occasionally accuse Ebdon of crossing the line.

O'Sullivan is responsible for his own game but it was proof to some (a journalist from The Times was sued for accusing Ebdon of "cheating") that Ebdon was hardly playing in a true Corinthian spirit.

I believe Ebdon much-maligned. His excesses (having the cue ball cleaned for every shot, slow play and occasional triumphalism after winning) have been toned down over the years. Ebdon always constructs a meticulous gameplan that covers everything from his preparation to the way he approaches each and every scenario. When under pressure he'll revert to incremental techniques designed to put him back on the road to success. Put simply he's a gifted, though admittedly single-minded, player.

Ebdon now faces Allister Carter in the last eight and will begin as favourite against a player few believed could go this far. Carter has thrown away leads in the past but against Shaun Murphy he was a picture of consistency beating the former World Champion 13-4.

You can back Carter to continue his winning streak at [2.12] or have Ebdon to win at [1.87] but if you really fancy Ebdon, consider his odds to win the tournament. At [14.5] Ebdon is surely worth a punt?

So many big names have fallen leaving the way clear for O'Sullivan but this tournament has refused to follow form so far. A potential semi against Stephen Maguire will be difficult but Ebdon possesses vital experience. Moreover, you can bet that O'Sullivan will not be relishing meeting Ebdon in the final. Who do you think will progress and why?

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