Williams in battle to stay in World Championship

Maximum man Mark Williams faces a battle to keep alive his hopes of a third Embassy World Championship title after falling behind second-round opponent Ian McCulloch in Sheffield today.

The Welshman, who completed his opening victory over Robert Milkins with a perfect 147 break, led 5-3 at the end of the first session but lost six frames when the match resumed to trail 9-7 going into tonight’s finale.

It was mainly due to an impressive display by the world number 17 from Preston, who knocked in three centuries – two 108s and a 100 – to seize the advantage.

But the key frame was the 13th which McCulloch, runner-up in this season’s totesport Grand Prix in his home city, took on the black with a risky double into a middle pocket to edge ahead at 7-6.

On the other table, 2002 champion Peter Ebdon fought back from 6-2 down to tie his "grudge" match against Stephen Lee at 8-8.

This contest contains added spice because of the last time they clashed at this stage, Ebdon having infuriated Lee with his victory celebration after a 13-12 win in 2001, and a similarly close finish looks in store.

Lee, who overcame his apparent frustration at Ebdon’s slow play in the opening session, led 8-3 but scored only 34 points in the next five frames as the 34-year-old from Wellingborough finally found his range.