Snooker: McCulloch spoils Ebdon efforts to regain title

Peter Ebdon's efforts to regain his Embassy world title ended against the Lancashire player Ian McCulloch in Sheffield last night. The 2002 Crucible champion slumped to a 10-8 defeat against the 2002 British Open runner-up.

Afterwards, Ebdon said: "I really believed this was going to be my year. And I am sure I would have grown stronger throughout the tournament. Unfortunately we will never know."

Ebdon was arguably the form player coming to Sheffield after his recent victory in the Irish Masters and a run to the last four of the Players Championship. However, after stealing the 15th frame with a 57 clearance to black to lead 8-7, the wheels fell off for the Wellingborough star.

"I did come here in form but I have been beaten by an outstanding performance," Ebdon said. "He has got a great chance of becoming a top-16 player and if he continues to play like that, who knows?"

McCulloch, who now faces the Glaswegian Alan McManus for a place in the quarter-finals, said: "When the draw was made I knew I was in for a tough match because Peter has been playing well. But I am fortunate I don't usually twitch against the top players," said McCulloch, who now faces Glaswegian Alan McManus for a place in the quarter-finals.

"I have been a professional long enough to know that if you stick with the top players it puts them under pressure. Every time Peter went in front I usually came back with a 60 or 70 break," said McCulloch.