Tough start in line for Ebdon

Peter Ebdon will open the defence of his Embassy World Championship title at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield next month against a player in the best form of his career.

In the draw for the first round of the game’s premier event, made at the Palace Hotel, Torquay this morning, Ebdon was paired with Gerard Greene, a fast potting left-hander who has already jumped 21 places to 42nd in the provisional world rankings this season and is sure to go higher.