By elliott West
As Peter Ebdon celebrates his 49th birthday today, I would like to reflect on this great player’s career to date. Ebdon, a Londoner from Islington first appeared on our television screens in the early 1990’s with his trademark long hair and ponytail. Often accused of being a slow and methodical player, Peter proved the critics wrong and won the World Championship in 2002, winning an epic battle against Stephen Hendry, 18-17. With nine ranking and four non-ranking titles to his name, Ebdon has stood the test of time. Although the hair and ponytail has disappeared, the middle aged Peter still plays to a high standard and can still act as a stumbling block to any player who wishes to progress. Often playing with a cue that has a tip resembling a fruit pastille, Ebdon is an expert at tying up his opponent in snookers and creating a dividend of points that wins him the frame.
His memorable outburst of “Come on!” is still replayed to this day as he released his tension on the baize and crossed the winning line. I heard him say in Berlin recently that this was his “final furlong” but somehow I doubt it as Ebdon is a snooker animal that thrives on competing at the highest level in the sport. In fact he may well be another player like Jimmy White who just keeps on going. A feat that a bookmaker would give you very short odds. Perhaps he will or won’t but whatever the outcome Ebdon would have carved his name in snooker history.
One should also not forget that Peter played a crucial part in Ali Carter’s return to snooker after his battle with cancer. Taking on a mentor’s role, Ebdon was a lucky mascot in Carter’s corner following him around the practice table and the main tour. Ebdon pointed out flaws in Carter’s game and most importantly taught him how to believe again and regain the hunger for success. Peter could often be seen in the audience when Ali was plying and returned to Carter’s dressing room in between sessions to offer friendly advice and support.
Off the table Peter has spent a lengthy period living in Dubai and often dabbles at commentary working with the BBC team. His analytical style provides a ying and yang partnership with Steve Davis and is very effective in getting into the mind of the player as they compete in a match. As Peter’s greatest strength is his ability to focus so this is combined in his commentary. Unlike many commentators, he has the added string to his bow of still competing on the main tour. This gives him the added advantage of knowing exactly what is going on first hand. He may played a player he is commentating on recently or practiced on a table with them at an event. Therefore he can have his finger on the pulse and identify when a player is in form and playing well.
“Ebdo” as I call him is here is here to stay whether it is on or off the baize. A true statesman of the game who believes in being a Vegan as much as his love for snooker. He has helped Ali Carter with using a vegan diet as a means of controlling Carter’s Crohn’s disease, an inflammation of the dietary tract that causes complications with diet and digestion. Whether as a player, mentor or commentator, Peter Ebdon excels in all fields.
