Ebdon looking for longer run
Peter Ebdon has made no secret of his love for longer frame matches.
Having won the World Championship in 2002 and more recently the Maplin UK Championship in December, the Dubai-based potter has every reason to favour matches which allow him to get his feet under the table.
But having battled back from 4-1 behind to beat qualifier David Roe, the provisional world number four could be on course for a successful run at the Hilton Conference Centre in Portomaso.
“I don’t think I’ve won a match in Malta since 1963,” joked Ebdon. “So it was nice to win here for a change.”
Ebdon showed all of his fighting qualities to edge his way into the last 16 stage of this year’s €304,000 tournament yesterday.
“It would have been a real blow to lose,” he added. “David controlled the match, but a tough match like that is probably just what I needed.
“These best-of-nine matches are really tough. All you can is prepare yourself the best you can and even then it’s on the day.
“So you need to play well and take your chances, which I didn’t do against David. And you need a bit of luck here as well. It’s lovely to win a match.”
Next up for Ebdon is a meeting with Scot Stephen Maguire, who won the European Open title in 2004. The duo lock horns on Thursday afternoon.
“I don’t think I’d have been best pleased if I’d lost to David, but from 4-1 down I was very, very pleased to win,” added Ebdon.
“I’ve been away from home for a month and missed my wife (Debra) and the kids, so it was great to see Debra. But I’ve got a job to do and I’m doing it to the best of my ability.”
