Ebdon makes an impression
Peter Ebdon’s Wembley record bears out his admission he has not given the Masters due respect down the years.
As a result Ebdon’s progress to the semi-finals this afternoon equals his best ever performance at the Conference Centre – it is a decade since his previous appearance in the penultimate round.
But there is every suggestion 2005 might be the Londoner’s year to finally prove himself in the game’s most prestigious invitation tournament.
Ebdon followed up his 6-0 second round whitewash of David Gray by knocking out three-times Masters champion Steve Davis 6-1.
Davis, responsible for the exit of title holder Paul Hunter last Sunday, could not live with his opponent’s break-building prowess.
Wellingborough-based Ebdon compiled six half-century breaks in the seven frames with a best of 88, to show his exhausting routine of five to seven hours practice a day is paying off.
He explained: “For one reason or another I have always concentrated on ranking events and haven’t given the Masters the respect it deserved.
“But I haven’t played well here either. However, don’t get me wrong I would dearly love to win.
“And it was great today to have family and friends here supporting me.”
Wife Deborah, dad Michael and two of his four children, Clarissa and Tristan, were backstage watching this latest victory.
And Ebdon continued: “Don’t forget it’s a really tough tournament to win.
“You’ve got the world’s top 16 and they’re all capable of beating each other.”
His displays this week have seen a noticeable increase in his tempo round the table.
His average shot time has come tumbling down and he added: “You can focus to much on what can go wrong. Or play too many shots to nothing.
“Sometimes you have to be positive. Attacking play certainly hasn’t done Ronnie O’Sullivan or Stephen Hendry any harm.
“And you’ve got to have a top class all round game to win a tournament like this.”
The 2002 Crucible champion said: “I have already been world champion and I would love to do that again.
“Perhaps I will be if I put in the hard work.”
Ebdon now meets Hendry or John Higgins – winners of seven Masters titles between them – on Saturday for a place in Sunday’s final.
