Ebdon - finished in style. (Getty Images)
EBDON MAKES STYLISH START
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Peter Ebdon made a confident start to the defence of his Embassy World title
in Sheffield on Saturday, beating qualifier Gerard Greene with plenty to spare.
Ebdon, the first player into the last 16, defeated former stablemate Greene
10-3 including a tournament best break so far of 135.
It was exactly the performance Ebdon was looking for on his return to the
scene of his greatest triumph.
The world number three's 12-month reign has so far been littered with too many
disappointing results.
But the 32-year-old London born star has been determined not to peak before
arriving in Sheffield.
Ebdon kicked-off his successful campaign last year with a 10-4 victory over
Dubliner Michael Judge.
When Northern Ireland international Greene shared the first six frames Ebdon
appeared to be in for a far tougher test.
But the challenge soon evaporated and the holder gained a routine win to put
the pressure on his title challengers.
Ebdon started the game with a century break and would have ended with a ton
only to run out of colours to pot.
However, he closed out the contest with a run of 96 and next plays Greene's
fellow Ulsterman Joe Swail or Tony Drago of Malta for a place in the
quarter-finals.
Official bookmakers Ladbrokes immediately slashed the odds on Ebdon retaining
his crown from 20/1 to 16/1.
Ebdon led 6-3 after the first session and required just 75 minutes more to
apply the finishing touches to a highly impressive display.
In addition to his two centuries Ebdon compiled further runs of 72, 67, 65
and his closing 96.
"It's always great to get the first match out of the way," agreed Ebdon who
has earned himself five days off before facing his next game.
"Gerard is a far better player than he showed today and I'm sure he will be
disappointed. I'm sure though he will be back."
Ebdon, overlooked by many pundits when tipping the 2003 champion, is not too
concerned at being dismissed as a main contender.
"Other players have been favoured but it was the same last season. I came
through then and there's no reason why I can't do it again.
"It's all down to being strong and I do believe I can retain my title."
If Ebdon does go all the way again he will offer thanks to his optician as
well as trusty coach Chris Henry.
Ebdon has worn contact lenses for several years. "Without them I probably
wouldn't be in the top 16," he admits.
But in recent months his local eye specialist noticed a deterioration in the
sight of his left eye.
"My prescription has gone up a quarter of a strength," revealed the
champion, bidding for his first piece of silverware since defeating Stephen
Hendry 18-17 last May.
"It makes a big difference when you can see," he laughed. "But my left eye
is my master eye so it was important to get the new lenses.
"I don't think glasses would work because of the reflection off the
television lights."
Greene, whose consolation was a cheque for £15,000, said: "I had a good
chance in the eighth frame but from there everything went wrong.
"It's been my best season to date but I missed more easy balls in that match
than I have all year.
"But Peter is a great player and it was always going to be tough."
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