When the 888.com World Championship began 12 days ago, the bookmakers rated an Asian winner of the title about as likely as South Korea winning this summer’s World Cup.

Peter Ebdon has received the backing of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s mentor Ray Reardon as he looks to strengthen his grip on the Embassy World Championship semi-final with outsider Shaun Murphy.

PETER EBDON could only sit and watch a Ronnie O’Sullivan masterclass yesterday - and admitted he was privileged to be sharing a table with the ‘Rocket’.

PETER EBDON lost his grip on the Irish Masters title in Dublin last night. The 2002 world champion lost 5-4 in a gruelling match against Dave Harold after being 4-1 up.

Matthew Stevens leads Stephen Hendry by six frames to two at the first break of their quarter-final match in the Embassy World Championships.