It was announced on 30th April 2020 that Peter Ebdon has retired from professional snooker.
The 2002 World Champion decided to end his 29-year career due to a chronic neck injury and therefore will not be playing in this World Championship, should it still go ahead.
Ebdon had a career most players would dream. His highest achieved ranking is No. 3 in the world. He made two maximums and nearly 400 centuries in his professional career. Every year, he made the Masters line-up between 1994 – 2011. ‘The Force’ won thirteen ranking and non-ranking titles, nine of which are ranking and that includes the 2006 UK Championship. Of course, his greatest feat was winning the 2002 World Championship, as well as two additional World finals. The man known as ‘Psycho’ defeated Stephen Hendry 18-17 in the final.
Just the round before, he played the bravest shot John Virgo had ever seen, by potting the pink to stay in the match against Matthew Stevens. This proves his reputation for having a lot of bottle. For those who watched the semi-final at the #CrucibleClassics recently, you will understand!
Peter Ebdon has a reputation for his slow, determined and meticulous play throughout his career. He is a man who would sweat a pint of blood for every shot. This was praised and ridiculed by players, commentators and fans alike. Everyone is aware by now of his 5-minute break of 12 during his 13-11 win over Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2005, for example. But that just makes him such a difficult player and a mental obstacle to play against.
Ebdon is also one of the great characters as well. His passionate bursts of “COME ON!” and “VEGAN POWER!” lit up many arenas. Reading through many tweets from current players showing their appreciation of his snooker wisdom, style of play and class on and off the table.
It isn’t much of a surprise that Ebdon retired. Back in 2018, Ebdon had thoughts on retirement due to his degenerative spinal condition. But it is such a shame he couldn’t retire after playing in the World Championships. It is a shame that this Crucible delay was due to the coronavirus outbreak.
But as always, health does come before sport. The prospect of getting worse and the possibility of not having the ability to walk is too much. After retirement, Ebdon plans to devote more time to professional pedigree consultancy business, work as a professional healer and his wife. Hopefully we will see him in the commentary box again? Maybe he’ll get that ponytail again, we will never know!
All the best with your retirement Peter!
