Peter Ebdon

From the mid-1980s, Ebdon took part in various amateur tournaments and became one of the leading amateurs of his era. He won the 1990 IBSF World Under-21 Snooker Championship, defeating Oliver King 11–9 in the final.{{cite web |title=Past Champions |url=http://www.ibsf.info/past-champions.shtml |publisher=International Billiards and Snooker Federation |access-date=12 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120002252/http://www.ibsf.info/past-champions.shtml |archive-date=20 January 2013}}{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Chris |title=Major Amateur Championships |url=http://www.cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Amateur.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512004350/http://www.cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Amateur.html |archive-date=12 May 2012 |work=cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk |publisher=Chris Turner's Snooker Archive |access-date=12 May 2013}}{{cite web |title=IBSF Roll of Honour |url=http://www.globalsnookercentre.co.uk/files/Results/IBSF_Roll_of_Honour.htm |publisher=Global Snooker Centre |access-date=6 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224165042/http://www.globalsnookercentre.co.uk/files/Results/IBSF_Roll_of_Honour.htm |archive-date=24 December 2008}}

Ebdon turned professional in 1991. Making his Crucible debut at the 1992 World Championship, he defeated Steve Davis 10–4 in the first round and went on to reach the quarter-finals, losing 7–13 to Terry Griffiths. This earned Ebdon the WPBSA's Young Player of the Year award.

{{citation |surname1=Dean P. Hayes |title=Snooker Legends – And Where Are They Now? |edition=3 |publisher=Sutton Publishing |publication-place=Chalford |at=pp. 28–30 |isbn=978-0-7509-3233-2 |year=2004 |language=German}}

He won his first ranking title at the 1993 Grand Prix, defeating Ken Doherty 9–6 in the final.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/snooker/world_champs_2002/1971162.stm |title=Ebdon's road to greatness |date=7 May 2002 |publisher=BBC |access-date=17 February 2020 |archive-date=27 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127091214/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/snooker/world_champs_2002/1971162.stm |url-status=live}} His second title was the 1995 Irish Masters, defeating Stephen Hendry 9–8 in the final, and reached his first Triple Crown final at the 1995 UK Championship, but lost 3–10 to Hendry.{{cite web |title=Royal Liver Assurance UK Open |url=http://www.snooker.org/TRN/9596/uk_res.shtml |publisher=Snooker.org |accessdate=13 October 2010 |archive-date=23 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223173228/http://www.snooker.org/TRN/9596/uk_res.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=1995 UK Championship Results |url=http://snookerdatabase.co.uk/EventResults.aspx?EventKey=110 |publisher=Snooker Database |accessdate=13 March 2013 |archive-date=9 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109051623/http://snookerdatabase.co.uk/EventResults.aspx?EventKey=110 |url-status=live }} He first entered the top 16 for the 1994–95 season, and rose to a career high of third in the 1996–97 season, a position he reached again in the 2002–03 season.

At the 1996 World Snooker Championship, Ebdon defeated Jimmy White in the last 16, Steve Davis in the quarter-finals, and Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-finals to reach his first world final, which he lost 12–18 to Hendry.{{cite web |title=Embassy World Championship |url=http://www.snooker.org/trn/9596/wc_res.shtml |publisher=Snooker.org |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=12 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012220206/http://snooker.org/trn/9596/wc_res.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Embassy World Championship |url=http://www.snookerscene.co.uk/page.php?id=36 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124071753/http://www.snookerscene.co.uk/page.php?id=36 |archive-date=24 January 2013 |publisher=Snooker Scene |access-date=7 May 2012}}{{cite book |last=Downer |first=Chris |title=Crucible Almanac |year=2012 |pages=42–43}} He subsequently won the 1997 Thailand Open, defeating Nigel Bond 9–7 in the final;{{cite book |last=Hayton |first=Eric |title=Cuesport Book of Professional Snooker |page=170}} the 2000 British Open, defeating White 9–6 in the final; and the 2001 Scottish Open, defeating Doherty 9–7 in the final.{{Cite web |title=Peter Ebdon - Players - snooker.org |trans-title= |last=Årdalen |first=Hermund |work=snooker.org |access-date=9 February 2022 |url=http://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?player=42&season=-1 |language=no |archive-date=11 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811015214/http://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?player=42&season=-1 |url-status=live }}

Ebdon defeated Michael Judge, Joe Perry, Anthony Hamilton, and Matthew Stevens to reach his second world final at the 2002 World Snooker Championship. He won his only world title, clinching an 18–17 victory over Hendry.[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20020922/ai_n12578469 The Sunday Herald: Cue Peter; Stewart Fisher talks to the champion who believes there is] Having started the tournament at odds of 33–1, he stated: "It's what I have been working for and dreaming about for the last 17 years... I wasn't ready to win it six years ago, but I've improved as a player and as a person".{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/may/08/comment.worldsnookerchampionship2002 |title=Cometh the hour, came the man |first=Clive |last=Everton |date=8 May 2002 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=31 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927132356/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/may/08/comment.worldsnookerchampionship2002 |archive-date=27 September 2015 |url-status=live}}

Defending his title at the 2003 World Championship, Ebdon faced Paul Hunter in the quarter-finals. Ebdon came from 10–12 behind to force a deciding frame, but Hunter clinched a 13–12 victory after a match that lasted 8 hours and 4 minutes.{{Cite news |last=Everton |first=Clive |date=2003-04-30 |title=Hunter holds off Ebdon to reach semis |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/may/01/snooker.worldsnookerchampionship2003 |access-date=2023-08-23 |issn=0261-3077}}

The slower pace of Ebdon's play after his world title attracted criticism, especially when he played O'Sullivan in the 2005 World Championship quarter-finals. Ebdon began the third session of the match trailing 6–10, but won seven of the last eight frames for a 13–11 victory, despite making a highest break of 60 and having an average shot time of 37 seconds. At one stage, Ebdon took three minutes over a shot, and took five minutes to compile a break of 12.{{cite web |last=Everton |first=Clive |title=Snooker: O'Sullivan ground down and out |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/apr/28/snooker.uk |date=28 April 2005 |work=The Guardian |access-date=17 February 2020 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219232952/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/apr/28/snooker.uk |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan on Peter Ebdon's snooker torture tactics – 'Ebbo should get a memorial award' |url=https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2019-2020/ronnie-o-sullivan-on-peter-ebdon-s-snooker-torture-tactics-ebbo-should-get-a-memorial-award_sto7808227/story.shtml |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=www.eurosport.com}} Ebdon stated after the match: "When I'm trying my hardest I seem to go slow. I don't do it intentionally". When The Times described his slow play as "cheating", he sued for libel.{{cite news |last=Brett |first=Alastair |title=Snookered by fair comment |date=17 April 2007 |work=The Times |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article1659968.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612041058/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article1659968.ece |archive-date=12 June 2011}}

At the 2006 World Snooker Championship, Ebdon led Marco Fu 15–9 in the semi-finals. Fu won seven of the next eight frames to tie the scores at 16–16, but Ebdon won the deciding frame to reach his third world final, where he faced Graeme Dott.{{cite web |title=Snooker: Ebdon books final sport; Ex-champ edges in after thrilling Fu charge. |url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-145120742 |publisher=Sunday Mercury |access-date= |archive-date=4 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104215635/https://www.gale.com/databases/questia |url-status=dead}} Trailing 7–15 before the final session, Ebdon won six successive frames, but Dott won the match 18–14.{{cite news |title=Dogged Dott wins epic world final |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/4963566.stm |work=BBC Sport |access-date=27 October 2010 |date=2 May 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914213630/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/4963566.stm |archive-date=14 September 2007 |url-status=live}} Later that year, Ebdon won his second Triple Crown title at the 2006 UK Championship, defeating Ding Junhui in the quarter-finals, John Higgins in the semi-finals, and Hendry 10–6 in the final.{{cite web |url=http://www.billiardpulse.com/2006/12/peter-ebdon-wins-uk-championship.html |title=Peter Ebdon wins UK Championship |access-date=2 March 2008 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210353/http://www.billiardpulse.com/2006/12/peter-ebdon-wins-uk-championship.html |url-status=live}}

At the 2008 World Championship, Ebdon defeated Mark King 13–9 in the second round to reach the quarter-finals.{{Cite news |last=Everton |first=Clive |date=2008-04-26 |title=Ebdon first into last eight |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/apr/26/worldsnookerchampionship.snooker |access-date=2023-09-06 |issn=0261-3077}} He lost 9–13 to Ali Carter, who made a maximum break during the match.{{Cite web |date=2008-04-30 |title=Carter seals semi-final place |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/snooker/2008/0430/231184-worldchampionship/ |website=RTE}} This was the last time Ebdon featured in the later stages of a World Championship; his final seven Crucible appearances all ended in first-round defeats.{{Cite web|url=https://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?player=42|title=Peter Ebdon - Players - snooker.org|website=www.snooker.org}}

In the 2008 Northern Ireland Trophy, Ebdon lost 0–5 to Liang Wenbo, making a highest break of 32. After the match, the Gambling Commission expressed concern about attempts by punters to place unusually large bets for Ebdon to lose 0–5 and not to make a break over 50. However, the WPBSA did not instigate a match-fixing investigation.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamblingplanet.org/Walker_Worries_Over_Ebdon_Liang |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008233145/http://www.gamblingplanet.org/Walker_Worries_Over_Ebdon_Liang |title=Gambling Planet.org: Walker Admits Worries Over Ebdon-Liang |archive-date=8 October 2008}}{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/sep/21/snooker |title=Snooker: Probe into 5–0 Peter Ebdon defeat |first=Clive |last=Everton |date=20 September 2008 |work=The Guardian |access-date=16 December 2016 |archive-date=19 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919045731/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/sep/21/snooker |url-status=live}} Ebdon won the 2009 China Open with a 10–8 victory over John Higgins in the final,{{Cite news |date=2009-04-05 |title=Peter Ebdon edges out John Higgins to clinch China Open win |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/05/peter-ebdon-china-open-snooker |access-date=2023-08-22 |issn=0261-3077}} but lost 5–10 to Bond in the first round of the 2009 World Championship. After a disappointing 2009–10 season, Ebdon lost 5–10 to Dott in the first round of the 2010 World Championship. This result ended Ebdon's 16 consecutive seasons ranked within the top 16 in the world rankings. Ebdon stated he was "bitterly disappointed but also very proud" to have been in the top 16 for so many years.{{cite news |title=Ebdon drops out of world's top 16 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/8634466.stm |work=BBC Sport |date=22 April 2010 |access-date=16 January 2022}}

File:Ebdon.jpg]]

At the 2010 World Open, Ebdon reached the semi-finals, losing 1–3 to O'Sullivan. His first semi-final appearance since the 2009 China Open, it saw him re-enter the top 16.{{cite web |url=http://www.snookerdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?PlayerKey=18&tourns=AllRank&plStat=1 |title=Peter Ebdon |publisher=Snooker Database |access-date=30 March 2012 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924103116/http://www.snookerdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?PlayerKey=18&tourns=AllRank&plStat=1#PlayerResults |url-status=live}} Ebdon lost in the first round of the 2010 UK Championship and lost 8–10 to Stuart Bingham in the first round of the 2011 World Championship. However, Ebdon was ranked number 13 at the end of the season.{{cite web |title=Rankings after 2011 World Championship |url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/staticFiles/64/71/0,,13165~160100,00.pdf |work=worldsnooker.com |publisher=World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association |access-date=30 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516161759/http://www.worldsnooker.com/staticFiles/64/71/0,,13165~160100,00.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2011}}

Ebdon fell out of the top 16 again early in the 2011–12 season, meaning he had to qualify for the main stage of ranking events thereafter.{{cite web |title=Rankings after PTC6 (2011 Warsaw Classic) |url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/staticFiles/dc/8f/0,,13165~167900,00.pdf |work=worldsnooker.com |publisher=World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association |access-date=30 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190034/http://www.worldsnooker.com/staticFiles/dc/8f/0%2C%2C13165~167900%2C00.pdf |archive-date=29 October 2013}} He lost his first 2011 UK Championship qualifying match 3–6 to Robert Milkins, meaning that he did not feature at the tournament's main stage for the first time since 1991.{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/9358949.Ex_snooker_champion_Peter_Ebdon_to___miss_return_to_York/ |title=Ex-snooker champion Peter Ebdon to miss return to York |newspaper=The Press |date=11 November 2011 |access-date=30 March 2012 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210432/https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/9358949.ex-snooker-champion-peter-ebdon-to-miss-return-to-york/ |url-status=live}} He missed the 2012 Masters, the first time he had not featured at the event since 1992. At the PTC series, he played in all 12 events, but won only four matches all season. He finished 98th in the Order of Merit and fell to number 28 in the rankings in March 2012.{{cite web |url=http://snooker.org/res/index.asp?template=10&season=2011 |title=Order of Merit |publisher=WWW Snooker |date=8 January 2012 |access-date=31 March 2012 |archive-date=4 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504060608/http://snooker.org/res/index.asp?template=10&season=2011 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Rankings after 2012 PTC Finals |url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/staticFiles/ef/a3/0,,13165~173039,00.pdf |work=worldsnooker.com |publisher=World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association |access-date=31 March 2012 |archive-date=16 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416225427/http://www.worldsnooker.com/staticFiles/ef/a3/0,,13165~173039,00.pdf |url-status=live}}

Ebdon won the 2012 China Open, defeating John Higgins, Neil Robertson, and Ding before beating Stephen Maguire 10–9 in the final.{{Cite news |title=Ebdon wins thrilling China Open |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/17577969 |access-date=2023-08-22}} This boosted his ranking to number 21. During the final, he recorded his 300th century break.{{cite news |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/snooker/peter-ebdon-beat-stephen-maguire-778590 |title=Ebdon fends off Maguire magic to win thrilling China Open final |newspaper=Daily Mirror |date=1 April 2012 |access-date=1 April 2012 |archive-date=2 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402045135/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/snooker/peter-ebdon-beat-stephen-maguire-778590 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://au.eurosport.com/snooker/ebdon-edges-maguire_sto3218584/story.shtml |title=Ebdon edges Maguire in epic final |publisher=Eurosport |date=1 April 2012 |access-date=1 April 2012 |archive-date=18 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083553/http://au.eurosport.com/snooker/ebdon-edges-maguire_sto3218584/story.shtml |url-status=live}} At the 2012 World Championship, he recorded a 10–0 whitewash over Alfie Burden in qualifying,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/apr/16/ronnie-osullivan-peter-ebdon-world-championship |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan to play Peter Ebdon in world championship first round |newspaper=The Guardian |date=16 April 2012 |access-date=16 April 2012 |location=London |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210429/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/apr/16/ronnie-osullivan-peter-ebdon-world-championship |url-status=live}} but lost 4–10 to O'Sullivan in the first round. He finished the season ranked world number 20.{{cite web |url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/staticFiles/1d/b0/0,,13165~176157,00.pdf |title=Official World Ranking List for the 2012/2013 Season |access-date=20 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522154016/http://www.worldsnooker.com/staticFiles/1d/b0/0,,13165~176157,00.pdf |archive-date=22 May 2012}}

Ebdon began the 2012–13 season by qualifying for the Wuxi Classic, but lost 4–5 to Bingham in the first round.{{cite web |url=http://snooker.org/res/index.asp?player=42&season=2012 |title=Peter Ebdon 2012/2013 |publisher=Snooker.org |access-date=18 July 2012 |archive-date=11 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711045803/http://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?player=42&season=2012 |url-status=live}} At the Australian Goldfields Open, he defeated Michael Holt, Ding, and Shaun Murphy, all by 5–4 scorelines. His match against Ding provoked controversy, with Ebdon recording an average shot time of 32 seconds in a nine-frame encounter that lasted almost five hours. Judd Trump on Twitter called it a "joke" that Ebdon was permitted to play so slowly.{{cite web |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/trump-slams-ebdon-win-ding-145234803.html |title=Trump slams Ebdon after win over Ding |publisher=Eurosport |access-date=12 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715045713/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/trump-slams-ebdon-win-ding-145234803.html |archive-date=15 July 2012 |df=dmy-all}} In the semi-finals, Ebdon defeated Fu 6–2, despite his opponent having an over 90 percent pot success, 80 percent long pot success, and 80 percent safety success.{{cite web |url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/page/NewsArticles/0,,13165~2849331,00.html |title=Ebdon into Final With Win Over Fu |publisher=World Snooker |access-date=18 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718015341/http://www.worldsnooker.com/page/NewsArticles/0%2C%2C13165~2849331%2C00.html |archive-date=18 July 2012}} Facing Barry Hawkins in the final, Ebdon lost 3–9,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/snooker/18848619 |title=Australian Open 2012: Barry Hawkins defeats Peter Ebdon |date=16 July 2012 |access-date=11 February 2018 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210445/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/18848619 |url-status=live}} admitting afterwards that he had struggled in every department of his game.{{cite web |title=Hawkins on Top Down Under |url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/page/NewsArticles/0,,13165~2850028,00.html |work=worldsnooker.com |publisher=World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association |date=15 July 2012 |access-date=18 July 2012 |archive-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718025642/http://www.worldsnooker.com/page/NewsArticles/0%2C%2C13165~2850028%2C00.html |url-status=live}} He lost in the first round of the 2012 Shanghai Masters, but reached the semi-finals of the inaugural 2012 International Championship, where he lost 1–9 to Trump.{{cite news |title=Judd Trump beats Peter Ebdon to become world number one |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/snooker/20182609 |url-status=live |work=BBC Sport |access-date=19 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209055607/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/snooker/20182609 |archive-date=9 December 2012}}

File:Peter Ebdon at Snooker German Masters (Martin Rulsch) 2014-01-29 02.jpg]]

By qualifying for the 2013 World Championship, Ebdon equalled Steve Davis's then-record 22 consecutive appearances in the tournament.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/snooker/22188014 |title=World Snooker Championship: O'Sullivan is hot favourite – Ebdon |work=BBC Sport |access-date=19 April 2013 |archive-date=19 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419152349/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/snooker/22188014 |url-status=live}} He faced Dott in a match that lasted seven hours, spread over three sessions, as Ebdon recovered from 2–6 behind to level at 6–6, before losing 6–10.{{cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2013: Graeme Dott beats Ebdon |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/snooker/22247115 |url-status=live |work=BBC Sport |date=22 April 2013 |access-date=23 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210443/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/22247115 |archive-date=17 October 2020}} After the match, Dott called for rules to combat slow play.{{cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2013: Dott wants rule change |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/snooker/22268829 |url-status=live |work=BBC Sport |date=23 April 2013 |access-date=23 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425070441/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/snooker/22268829 |archive-date=25 April 2013}} Ebdon fell to world number 30 in the world rankings after the tournament.{{cite web |url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/staticFiles/49/bc/0,,13165~179273,00.pdf |title=Official World Snooker Ranking List for the 2013/2014 Season |publisher=World Snooker |access-date=28 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611202605/http://www.worldsnooker.com/staticFiles/49/bc/0%2C%2C13165~179273%2C00.pdf |archive-date=11 June 2013}}

Ebdon's run of 22 consecutive Crucible appearances ended at the 2014 World Snooker Championship, when he lost 8–10 to Robin Hull in qualifying, missing the event's main stage for the first time since turning professional.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/snooker/27058823 |title=World Snooker Championship: Peter Ebdon fails to reach Crucible |work=BBC Sport |access-date=17 April 2014 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210449/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/27058823 |url-status=live}} He failed to qualify for the event again in 2015, losing 7–10 to Stuart Carrington in the second qualifying round.{{cite web |title=Peter Ebdon 2014/2015 |url=http://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?season=2014&player=42 |publisher=Snooker.org |access-date=25 April 2015 |archive-date=4 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704013242/http://snooker.org/res/index.asp?player=42&season=2014 |url-status=live}}

At the 2015 UK Championship, Ebdon beat opponents including reigning world champion Bingham to reach the last 16, where he lost 2–6 to David Grace.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/34969568 |title=UK Championship: Peter Ebdon shocks Stuart Bingham |work=BBC Sport |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-date=3 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203110411/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/34969568 |url-status=live}} At 45, he was the oldest competitor at the 2016 World Grand Prix; he defeated Robertson 4–3 before Ding whitewashed him 0–4 in the second round.{{cite web |url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/ebdon-knocks-out-robertson/ |title=Ebdon Knocks Out Robertson |date=8 March 2016 |publisher=World Snooker |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210603/https://wst.tv/ebdon-knocks-out-robertson/ |url-status=live}} At the 2016 World Championship, Ebdon defeated James Wattana 10–6 in the first qualifying round. He came from 3–9 behind against Gerard Greene to win 10–9 in the second round, the match ending just after 2:00 a.m.{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/12243/10239894/peter-ebdon-rallies-to-stun-gerard-greene-in-world-snooker-championship-qualifier |title=Peter Ebdon rallies to stun Gerard Greene in World Snooker Championship qualifier |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-date=18 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418062808/http://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/12243/10239894/peter-ebdon-rallies-to-stun-gerard-greene-in-world-snooker-championship-qualifier |url-status=live}} He qualified for the Crucible for the first time in three years by defeating Ian Burns 10–2 in the final qualifying round. However, he lost 2–10 to Fu in the first round.{{cite web |url=http://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?player=42&season=2015 |title=Peter Ebdon 2015/2016 |publisher=Snooker.org |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929062711/http://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?player=42&season=2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.localberkshire.co.uk/sport/14432438.Peter_Ebdon_ousted_by_Marco_Fu_and_champion_Stuart_Bingham_on_brink_at_Crucible/ |title=Defending champion Stuart Bingham crashes out of World Championship |publisher=Local Berkshire |access-date=27 April 2016 |archive-date=9 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509154110/http://www.localberkshire.co.uk/sport/14432438.Peter_Ebdon_ousted_by_Marco_Fu_and_champion_Stuart_Bingham_on_brink_at_Crucible/ |url-status=live}}

File:Peter Ebdon PHC 2018-6.jpg, where he finished as runner-up]]

Ebdon reached the quarter-finals of the 2016 Indian Open, where he lost 3–4 to Bond.{{cite web |url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/wilson-to-face-bond-in-semis/ |title=Murphy/McGill/Wilson/Bond Into Semis |date=8 July 2016 |publisher=World Snooker |access-date=14 April 2017 |archive-date=14 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714161742/http://www.worldsnooker.com/wilson-to-face-bond-in-semis/ |url-status=live}} He made his 24th and last Crucible appearance at the 2017 World Championship, after beating Holt 10–9 on the final black to qualify.{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/12243/10834963/peter-ebdon-beats-michael-holt-in-epic-world-championship-qualifier |title=Peter Ebdon beats Michael Holt in epic World Championship qualifier |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=14 April 2017 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210453/https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/12243/10834963/peter-ebdon-beats-michael-holt-in-epic-world-championship-qualifier |url-status=live}} He won the ninth frame of his first-round match against Bingham on a re-spotted black, after having required four snookers, and trailed 4–5 overnight; however, he lost the match 5–10.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/39619893 |title=World Championship 2017: Stuart Bingham beats Peter Ebdon in first round |work=BBC Sport |access-date=16 April 2017 |archive-date=17 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417143327/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/39619893 |url-status=live}} He ended the season ranked 40th in the world, the first time since 1992 he had finished a season outside the top 32.{{cite web |url=http://www.snooker.org/rnk/history.asp |title=Ranking History |publisher=Snooker.org |access-date=7 May 2017 |archive-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219070820/http://www.snooker.org/Rnk/history.asp |url-status=live}}

Ebdon reached his 18th and last ranking event final at the 2018 Paul Hunter Classic, where he lost 2–4 to Kyren Wilson.{{cite news |title=Wilson triumphs in Paul Hunter Classic |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/45316330 |access-date=2020-08-17 |archive-date=4 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404153415/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/45316330 |url-status=live}} He played his last professional match at the 2020 German Masters qualifiers in December 2019, losing 4–5 to Stevens.{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-12-30 |title=Coaching Helps Ebdon Regain Passion For Snooker |url=https://wst.tv/coaching-helps-ebdon-regain-passion-for-snooker/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230123001/https://wst.tv/coaching-helps-ebdon-regain-passion-for-snooker/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 December 2022 |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=World Snooker |language=en-US}} Following months of chronic neck and spinal pain, Ebdon announced his retirement from professional snooker on 30 April 2020, stating that he was unwilling to undergo spinal surgery in an effort to remain in the sport.{{cite news |title=Former world champion Ebdon retires |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/52494794 |access-date=2020-08-17 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210354/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/52494794 |url-status=live}}

In 2021, Ebdon became mentor and coach to Jack Lisowski, who reached his first world quarter-final at the 2022 World Championship and credited his improved performance to Ebdon.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-20 |title=Lisowski growing under mentor Ebdon: "He's making a big difference" |url=https://www.livesnooker.com/major-ranking-events/world-snooker-championship/lisowski-growing-under-mentor-ebdon-hes-making-a-big-difference/ |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=livesnooker.com |language=en-US}} {{as of|2023}} Ebdon also coaches and mentors current professionals Anthony McGill,{{Cite web |last=Nunns |first=Hector |date=2023-04-21 |title=Old Rivals Anthony McGill And Jack Lisowski Reunite In "Peter Ebdon Derby" |url=https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/old-rivals-anthony-mcgill-and-jack-lisowski-reunite-in-peter-ebdon-derby |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=The Sportsman |language=EN}} Elliot Slessor, and Kyren Wilson.

File:Ebdon Murphy Masters 2025.jpg (right) at the 2025 Masters]]

Ebdon was the third player to make two competitive maximum breaks in professional tournament play—at the Strachan Professional and UK Championship, both in 1992. In the same year, he became the first player to make four centuries in five frames.{{cite web |url=http://www.snooker.org/plr/bio/pebdon.shtml |title=snooker.org: Peter Ebdon |website=snooker.org |access-date=2 March 2008 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210452/http://www.snooker.org/plr/bio/pebdon.shtml |url-status=live}} He won World Championship and UK Championship titles but never completed a career Triple Crown; his best Masters performances were semi-finals at the 1995 and 2005 events, which he lost respectively to O'Sullivan and Higgins. Ebdon was criticised by other professionals for his slow play as well as his exuberant outpourings of emotion after winning important frames or matches, with O'Sullivan once calling him a "psycho".{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2001/dec/14/snooker.scottmurray |title=O'Sullivan passes verdict on 'psycho' Ebdon |date=14 December 2001 |first=Scott |last=Murray |work=The Guardian |access-date=2 April 2019 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402222948/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2001/dec/14/snooker.scottmurray |url-status=live}}

Born in Islington, London,{{Cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2019-2020/snooker-news-former-world-champion-peter-ebdon-retires-from-snooker_sto7738751/story.shtml |title=Snooker news – Former world champion Peter Ebdon retires from snooker |date=30 April 2020 |website=Eurosport |access-date=9 February 2022 |archive-date=9 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209162459/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://wpbsa.com/ebdon-retires-from-pro-snooker/ |title=Ebdon Retires From Pro Snooker |date=30 April 2020 |access-date=9 February 2022 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118184828/https://wpbsa.com/ebdon-retires-from-pro-snooker/ |url-status=live }} Ebdon later moved to Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

{{citation |surname1=Hector Nunns |title=The Crucible's Greatest Matches |edition=1 |publisher=Pitch Publishing |publication-place=Worthing |at=p. 119 |isbn=978-1-78531-284-7 |year=2017 |language=German}}

He attended Highbury Grove School, where he played oboe in the school orchestra, studied Latin and Greek, and represented North London at cricket.{{cite news |title=What's Latin for snookered? |url=https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/whats-latin-snookered |access-date=25 March 2024 |work=Times Educational Supplement |date=17 May 2002}} He dropped out of school to pursue his snooker career, after which his father did not speak to him for six months.{{Cite web |date=1993-11-11 |title=Snooker: Ebdon the loner is making a big noise: The pony-tail has gone |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker-ebdon-the-loner-is-making-a-big-noise-the-ponytail-has-gone-but-a-rich-talent-continues-to-grow-ian-ridley-on-the-man-aiming-to-turn-the-tables-1503590.html |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=The Independent |language=en}} Ebdon later stated that he regretted not sitting his O levels.{{cite web |url=http://www.global-snooker.com/Peter-Ebdon.asp |title=Peter Ebdon |publisher=Global-Snooker.com |access-date=29 July 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806154651/http://www.global-snooker.com/Peter-Ebdon.asp |archive-date=6 August 2010}}

In the early years of his professional career, Ebdon became known for wearing his hair in a ponytail. He is also colour blind. While playing snooker, he often asked the referee for help on distinguishing the brown ball from red balls. In several notable matches, Ebdon played foul shots because he confused the two colours.{{cite web |date=13 October 2008 |title=Rueful Ebdon mistakes brown for red |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/snooker/7668421.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504082800/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/snooker/7668421.stm |archive-date=4 May 2012 |access-date=17 February 2020 |publisher=BBC}}

He had four children with his first wife Deborah.{{Cite news |last=White |first=Jim |date=2003-04-14 |title=Interview: Peter Ebdon |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/apr/14/snooker.worldsnookerchampionship2003 |access-date=2023-08-23 |issn=0261-3077}} In 2005, he emigrated to Dubai with his wife and children, stating that the move was due to tax reasons, lower crime rates, and better weather.{{Cite news |date=2006-12-18 |title=Ebdon finds his place in the sun |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/snooker/6190333.stm |access-date=2023-08-22}} He lived there until 2009, when he announced that he and Deborah had separated by mutual consent after 16 years of marriage.{{cite web |url=http://snookerscene.blogspot.com/2009/01/peter-ebdon-statement.html |title=Peter Ebdon statement |publisher=Snooker Scene Blog |access-date=7 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220143253/http://snookerscene.blogspot.com/2009/01/peter-ebdon-statement.html |archive-date=20 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |date=2010-10-27 |title=Fate plays a large hand for happy Ebdon |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportother/8479174.fate-plays-a-large-hand-for-happy-ebdon/ |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus |language=en}} In 2010, Ebdon married his second wife, Nora, whom he first met at a players' party at a snooker event in Austria.{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Bill |title=Fate plays a large hand for happy Ebdon |date=27 October 2010 |work=Telegraph & Argus |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportother/8479174.Fate_plays_a_large_hand_for_happy_Ebdon/ |access-date=30 March 2012 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210505/https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportother/8479174.fate-plays-a-large-hand-for-happy-ebdon/ |url-status=live}} After their marriage, they lived in Nora's home country of Hungary.{{Cite web |title=BBC - Ben Dirs: Beware the vegan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bendirs/2012/04/beware_the_vegan.html |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en}} Ebdon was declared bankrupt in 2015.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Alex |date=2015-10-10 |title=Ex snooker world champ Peter Ebdon goes bust after potting £3.5million fortune |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/snooker/ex-snooker-world-champ-peter-6611339 |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=The Mirror |language=en}}

Ebdon became known for his focus on fitness, including swimming one mile every day.{{cite web |last=White |first=Jim |date=14 April 2013 |title=Interview: Peter Ebdon |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/apr/14/snooker.worldsnookerchampionship2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824164310/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/apr/14/snooker.worldsnookerchampionship2003 |archive-date=24 August 2021 |access-date=August 24, 2021 |work=The Guardian}} In 2012, he adopted a vegan diet.{{Cite web |last1=Posted by Peter David Ebdon on 6 February |first1=2012 at 4:38am |last2=Blog |first2=View |title=New Vegan Lifestyle |url=https://www.30bananasaday.com/profiles/blogs/new-vegan-lifestyle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210456/https://www.30bananasaday.com/profiles/blogs/new-vegan-lifestyle |archive-date=17 October 2020 |access-date=17 February 2020 |website=30bananasaday.com}} He is a devotee of Napoleon Hill's motivational book Think and Grow Rich.{{cite web |last=Viner |first=Brian |date=11 January 2003 |title=Snooker: Positive thinking takes Ebdon to the summit |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/snooker-positive-thinking-takes-ebdon-to-the-summit-124106.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210459/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/snooker-positive-thinking-takes-ebdon-to-the-summit-124106.html |archive-date=17 October 2020 |access-date=2 April 2019 |work=The Independent}} In 2018, he became a professional healer at the College of Healing in Malvern.{{Cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/for-peter-ebdon-its-all-about-well-being/articleshow/68227378.cms?from=mdr |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210510/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/for-peter-ebdon-its-all-about-well-being/articleshow/68227378.cms?from=mdr |url-status=dead |title=For Peter Ebdon, it's all about well being |archivedate=17 October 2020 |via=The Economic Times}} He has a longstanding interest in breeding racehorses.{{Cite web |url=https://www.racingpost.com/bloodstock/peter-ebdon-using-his-pedigree-expertise-to-help-launch-harbour-law/365448 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017210513/https://www.racingpost.com/bloodstock/peter-ebdon-using-his-pedigree-expertise-to-help-launch-harbour-law/365448 |url-status=dead |title=Peter Ebdon using his pedigree expertise to help launch Harbour Law | Racing Post |archivedate=17 October 2020 |website=racingpost.com}} He has released three music singles.{{cite web |title=Karriere beendet: Nackenwirbel stoppen Peter "The Force" Ebdon |publisher=Eurosport.de |url=https://www.eurosport.de/snooker/peter-ebdon-muss-karriere-beenden-nackenwirbel-stoppen-the-force_sto7741650/story.shtml |url-status=live |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925171807/https://www.eurosport.de/snooker/peter-ebdon-muss-karriere-beenden-nackenwirbel-stoppen-the-force_sto7741650/story.shtml |archive-date=25 September 2020 |last=Rolf Kalb |date=2020-05-05 |language=en }}

Shortly after his retirement, Ebdon was criticised for promoting conspiracy theories. In a May 2020 interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, he discussed the COVID-19 pandemic, calling social distancing guidelines "harmful", stating that people were being "brainwashed", and claiming that the public was "facing the greatest psychological operation in history". During the interview, Ebdon referenced individuals who had made unsubstantiated claims about topics such as the September 11 attacks and the Manchester Arena bombing, prompting Telegraph sports journalist James Corrigan to ask if winning the World Snooker Championship "gives you the right to propagate wild conspiracy theories on a national radio show".{{Cite web |date=2020-05-16 |title=Former snooker star Peter Ebdon pushes coronavirus conspiracy live on BBC |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker/peter-ebdon-coronavirus-bbc-interview-5live-conspiracy-theory-david-icke-a9518381.html |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=The Independent |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Corrigan |first=James |date=2020-05-20 |title=BBC radio indulging Peter Ebdon's internet-assembled theories is no laughing matter |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/snooker/2020/05/20/bbc-radio-indulging-peter-ebdons-internet-assembled-theories/ |access-date=2023-08-24 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

Below is a list of professional finals contested by Ebdon.

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite web |title=Player Profile: Peter Ebdon |publisher=Chris Turner's Snooker Archive |url=http://cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Players/Ebdon.html |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112061659/http://cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Players/Ebdon.html |archive-date=2012-01-12 |last=Chris Turner |year=2011 |language=en }}

}}

• {{Commons category-inline}}
• {{IMDb name|2824481}}
• {{WST player|peter-ebdon|archive=20230319052528}}
• [http://prosnookerblog.com/players/d-f/peter-ebdon/ Player Profile on Pro Snooker]
• [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/2924305.stm Player Profile on BBC Sport]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090220123313/http://uk.yahoo.eurosport.com/snooker/person_prs32311.shtml Profile on Yahoo! Sport]

{{World snooker champions}}

{{UK Championship winners}}

{{Snooker player of the year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ebdon, Peter}}

Category:1970 births

Category:Living people

Category:Snooker players from London

Category:Sportspeople from Kettering

Category:UK champions (snooker)

Category:Winners of the professional snooker world championship