• Snooker

Ebdon forecasts a struggle in Shanghai qualifying

ESPN staff
July 29, 2010
Peter Ebdon has fallen out of the world's top 16 © Getty Images
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Peter Ebdon has revealed in a statement that he expects to struggle next week when he attempts to qualify for the Shanghai Masters.

The 39-year-old, who has fallen out of the world's top 16, is understood to have taken the unusual step in order to forewarn bookmakers that he expects to put in an underwhelming performance.

"I consider that I will not be in a position to play to the best of my ability," Ebdon said. "Since playing in a recent tournament In Thailand I have not been able to practice, and by the time the qualifiers come around I will not have played for ten days or more.

"I know how bad I can be when I don't feel properly prepared as I am the type of player who needs to practice hard to play to a reasonable standard. As always, I will be doing my utmost to win."

Ebdon's warning follows the sport's ongoing investigation into allegations that world No. 1 John Higgins has agreed to throw frames for money. Higgins, who is currently suspended, has strenuously denied all accusations of wrongdoing that have been aimed at him.

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