Ebdon has no answer to Harold fightback

Peter Ebdon’s hopes of finishing a season as world number one for the first time were dealt a severe blow when the UK champion collapsed to a 5-4 defeat, from 4-1 up, against Dave Harold at the Welsh Open.

The turning point arrived in the sixth frame when Harold sank a do-or-die, slowly rolled red along the top cushion to embark on a 41 clearance with which he stole it on the black.

For Harold, who completed his unlikely recovery by firing in a long yellow to leave provisional world number four Ebdon requiring snookers in the 38-minute decider, it was history repeating itself.

At the same stage of the 2005 Irish Masters, Harold rallied from three down with four to play to squeeze past Ebdon by the same 5-4 score.

“Obviously that must have been on Peter’s mind, because you don’t forget defeats like that in a hurry,” said Harold.

“Up to 4-1, Peter just didn’t miss a single ball. I thought it wasn’t going to be my day – but I finished off well.”

Stoke-based Harold now plays Nottingham’s Anthony Hamilton, who ended a 10-match and 10-month losing sequence by edging out Joe Perry 5-4.

Hamilton, who has slumped from 16th to 37th on the provisional world list, appeared set for more disappointment when Perry obtained two snookers on the colours in the eighth frame before stealing it on the pink.

But Hamilton, a Welsh Open semi-finalist last season before the rot set in, held firm with an outstanding 119 break under pressure in the all important ninth.

“What a relief. It’s been the worst run of results I’ve ever had. If I’d lost today I would’ve been suicidal,” said Hamilton.

Stephen Hendry, who has won this tournament a record three times, also progressed to the last 16 with a 5-2 victory over teenage prospect Ben Woollaston – who was making his television debut.

Hendry, who closed out the contest with a 128 break, goes forward to play Grand Prix champion Neil Robertson.