Doesn't anyone fancy Ebdon this year?

[studavis]

Just wondered if anybody out there fancies Ebdon to take the tournament this year? I have seen very little mention of his name in the run up and the bookies obviously don't fancy his chances.

The biggest stumbling blocks in his half of the draw are obviously two of the most fancied, Maguire and Murphy, but we all know how Maguire can choke on the big occasions and Murphy is always beatable on his day - especially by someone with proven big time wins in the last 12 months or so.

He's a dedicated player, who ground out a decent win against an exciting Jamie Cope in Round One.

What do you all think?

[João]

I believe he can go all the way through, especially if he sticks to his style besides the critics, remember 2005 world champs vs Ronnie and every player has their own still and it should be respected.

His game is a bitch to beat and if he stays committed it could well happen.

[cueman]

He's always a contender but I just doubt that he can maintain the form against the heavy scorers like Murphy, Maguire, Higgins and O'Sullivan. Basically those 4 along with Ding are IMO the only contenders this year.

[Signal Fire]

I named Ebdon as a dark horse the other day, after his excellent win against Cope; he looked down and out before this tournament, but he's a big time player with an amazing record at the Crucible.

The dangermen are King & Bingham - if he can get past those hurdles, and into the final, where he'll face Swail, he could do it - but it's going to be tough. "The Outlaw" will be hard to beat over 35 frames.

[visionaire]

As long as the final is shorter then the 2006 one I don't mind much.

[The Boss]

King to end Ebdon hopes

King was magnificent against Selby, while Ebdon narrowly won his match because Cope was reckless at key moments. King isn't here to mess about. King to take it 13-10

[cueman]

This is about Ebdon, why is it THE BOSS and SIGNAL FIRE have to hijack these threads all the time on a wind up?

[Signal Fire]

This is about Ebdon, why is it THE BOSS and SIGNAL FIRE have to hijack these threads all the time on a wind up?

I'm not on a wind-up; that offends me.

Just because i think outside the box, and see past the so-called "big 4" doesn't mean my opinions are any less valid. And my reply was about Ebdon's chances anyway!

[The Boss]

King to end Ebdon hopes

This is about Ebdon, why is it THE BOSS and SIGNAL FIRE have to hijack these threads all the time on a wind up?

Ebdon plays Mark King next and i genuinely believe King will beat him. Therefore Ebdon won't get past the next round and win the tournament. I think it's YOU trying to wind me up

[João]

King was magnificent against Selby, while Ebdon narrowly won his match because Cope was reckless at key moments. King isn't here to mess about. King to take it 13-10

Strange obession with King there.

[Signal Fire]

Ebdon plays Mark King next and i genuinely believe King will beat him. Therefore Ebdon won't get past the next round and win the tournament. I think it's YOU trying to wind me up

Too true Boss - some people on here think if you support anyone outside the big names, you're on a wind-up.

Glory-supporting, i think it's called...

[The Boss]

Support for Mark King

Too true Boss - some people on here think if you support anyone outside the big names, you're on a wind-up.

Glory-supporting, i think it's called...

I know. People don't have a problem with me supporting Ronnie and Tony Drago, but they take offense because i also support Mark King. What do people have against him? I know Neil Foulds is also a big fan. He made the point in commentary that he hardly ever misses in practice and it's unfortunate we only see glimpses of his best on the match table. I wasn't surprised at all with his performance yesterday. King is capable of beating anyone. The most underrated player in the Top 20. A great character too

I think he'll beat Ebdon.

[Signal Fire]

I remember Kings awesome victory against O'Sullivan in the UK a few years ago. He was 5-2 down and recovered to win 9-8. He lead 9-6, Ronnie levelled, but King kept his cool to record a superb win.

If we harped on about Ding all day, no-one would bat an eyelid. Snooker needs fans like us, supporting the lesser known underdogs.

King is one of THE main contenders for this years title.

I'd say my picks are:-

1 - Swail
2 - King
3- Bingham
4 - Hamilton

If Ebdon beats King, i put him second though.