"I wouldn't be surprised if someone doesn't make a 147 this week because the table conditions are absolutely superb," said the Wellingborough-based cueman.

"In fact, they are probably the best since the British Open at Plymouth."

And that could spell danger for Ebdon's rivals as he captured the title in Devon with victory over Jimmy White last September.

Since then though Ebdon hasn't enjoyed the best of seasons and his display against Lee wasn't in keeping with recent performances.

But if he repeats the same form in the last eight against John Higgins he has every chance of progressing to the semi-finals.

"It was nice to play well against one of the best players in the world," added the 30-year-old Londoner.

"Stephen was full of confidence and started off like a rocket.

"But I didn't panic because I knew I was playing well."

Lee produced breaks of 90 and 65 to take the opening two frames and in a high scoring encounter also added runs of 54 and 98.

However, Ebdon was able to match his opponent's frame winning efforts with his own telling contributions of 57, 57, 58, 94, 69 and the 124.

"I can look forward now to playing John," said the happy match winner.

"I have a great deal of respect for him and he is without doubt one of the best players the game has ever seen.

"But even though he's beaten me the last couple of times I have a good record against him and it should be a cracking match."