Snooker: Ebdon misses dramatic maximum

A failed maximum-break attempt by Peter Ebdon provided the drama 24 hours on from Ronnie O'Sullivan's walk-out at the UK Championship in York yesterday.

Although Ebdon and John Higgins were battling for a place in the final, O'Sullivan was still the name on everyone's lips after he conceded five frames into his match with Stephen Hendry. The sport's governing body, World Snooker, did not want to discuss what the future might hold for O'Sullivan and gave no word about any potential punishment.

On the table, Ebdon and Higgins served up some top-quality play as the opening session of their semi-final ended level at 4-4. Ebdon had a chance of a 147 in the first frame but broke down on the 13th black. They were due to conclude their match later last night.