Blast from the past: Peter Ebdon

It seems like at the moment everybody is talking about Hendry - Ronnie once again. While that is certainly something worth talking about, I would also like to continue my "blast from the past" series.

Next up: Peter Ebdon

Turned professional in 1991, becoming World Champion denying Stephen Hendry an 8th Crucible crown in the 2002 final. Winning a total of 9 ranking events, including a UK title he's had a very successful career and is considered an all time great by many (including me). Another outstanding achievement is his winning span, stretching from 1993 to 2012. But Peter Ebdon will probably be remembered most for his gritty determination, his unorthodox shot selection and his colorful, sometimes volatile personality.

Whoever witnessed him in his prime (90s and early 00s), what can you tell me about him? Was he a different player back then? What were his greatest wins / worst defeats? Should he have won more, like another World title against Dott? What was his style like, how aggressive / defensive was he? How did/do you perceive him back then and now? How good was he compared to the big 4? What are your most memorable moments of Peter Ebdon?

Thank all of you in advance.

Ebdon used to be a much quicker player, and it is to his detriment that he slowed his game down. In many ways he overthinks situations. He would be disappointed not to have beaten Dott in the 2006 final. However, he was lucky Hendry didn't take his chances in the final frame in 2002.

One of his best victories was in the 1995 Irish Masters final when he came from behind to beat Hendry 9-8. His worst defeat was to Stefan Mazrocis in the first round of the 97 Worlds, he where played awfully and lost 10-3.

I would say he won what he should have. His 2012 China Open win was unexpected and proved he still had something left, although I doubt he will win any more titles.

Liked him at first, a colourful entertaining player but ended up torture for me to watch with his deliberate slow play and that worlds where he insisted on cleaning the cue ball after every shot he lost me forever.

Can It really be 22 years since one of the biggest Crucible shocks ever when the ponytailed boy wonder with the jazzy waistcoat shocked Davis 10-4 ??

Believe it or not, as a Ronnie fan in the mid 90s, Ebdon was the player that I feared most. Seemed to get the better of Ronnie a lot in those days, the 96 Crucible semi being especially memorable.

Honestly I expected a few more replies here by now...

Wild, Sonny & co, please share your wisdom and experiences


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7UErhD34xk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY9x9UbnZwM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-PJhZdtmIg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrdCFvYIBCY#t=105s

This is my most memorable Ebdon moment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkyTSwgkFWE#t=685s

Ebdon is only famous for trying to hold up the Ronnie Express:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aIeYootIKo

We don't need antisnooker cheers. He used to be decent and has a maxi to his name; such a waste of promising talent. He developed a lot of OCD in his game. Obsessed with a huge shot preparation, and after spending so much time umming and ahring about what shot to play. Two legs bent; dreadful. Shoulda seen a coach decades ago. Soya beans must have affected his mind. He taught Carter to play badly. Pick a shot, stand behind the white ball, get down and play it like it doesn't matter - Steve Davis. Ebdon is the opposite and he pays a hefty price.

Why he continues is beyond me. Another one, who with Higgins and Williams needs a permanent visit to the junkyard.

Trumpster wrote:Ebdon is only famous for trying to hold up the Ronnie Express:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aIeYootIKo

We don't need antisnooker cheers. He used to be decent and has a maxi to his name; such a waste of promising talent. He developed a lot of OCD in his game. Obsessed with a huge shot preparation, and after spending so much time umming and ahring about what shot to play. Two legs bent; dreadful. Shoulda seen a coach decades ago. Soya beans must have affected his mind. He taught Carter to play badly. Pick a shot, stand behind the white ball, get down and play it like it doesn't matter - Steve Davis. Ebdon is the opposite and he pays a hefty price.

Why he continues is beyond me. Another one, who with Higgins and Williams needs a permanent visit to the junkyard.

Too much KFC has affected your mind.

I remember a match between Ronnie and Ebdon, where Ronnie went for a rubbish and the audience kept waiting for him, after Ebdon came right on time. I think, it was a Master's game. Is on YT as well.

That was the Masters the year after their famous match at the Crucible. Ronnie was taking 5+ minutes between frames to make a point to Ebdon, but ended up putting himself off. Ebdon wasn't bothered in the slightest.