Eurosport
Peter Ebdon shocks Stuart Bingham despite sleep woes
World champion Stuart Bingham fell in the third round at the UK Championships as Peter Ebdon shrugged off fatigue to wrap up a 6-3 win.
It was the first time Ebdon had reached the last 16 of a ranking event since February, with the 45-year-old set to meet David Grace next.
The world number 34 was always ahead in the contest, keeping Bingham at bay before wrapping up victory with a 109 break in the ninth frame.
“Last night it looked like I was going home as I was 5-4 down against Dominic Dale,” said Ebdon. “I made two very good breaks to win 6-5 but I didn’t get to sleep until 3am and only had five hours sleep. This morning I ate five bananas, some apples and grapes and I felt fresh as a daisy.
“I played an attacking game today, went for my shots and it’s a great win for me to beat someone of Stuart’s class. It’s nice to know my heart is still ticking.
“The table fitters here have taken a lot of stick in recent days but they did a magnificent job last night and the conditions were very good today.”
Elsewhere, John Higgins won 6-2 against Ali Carter, who suffered from abdominal pain during the match. Higgins will meet friend Jamie Burnett in the next round.
“It’s a very good win for me,” said Higgins. “I was delighted to be 3-1 up at the interval because I could have been 3-1 down, and I knew Ali would have been gutted. I am back competing which is a good feeling. I know I can turn up to tournaments and have a chance to win.
“Jamie has been playing well. I prefer not to play the other Scots, it won’t be easy. we used to practise together but I don’t think he has played anyone in practice for about the last five years, he only does an hour or two on his own here and there.”