Ebdon whitewash for Davis

Peter Ebdon and Neil Robertson powered into the quarter-finals of the Northern Ireland Trophy with whitewashes over Steve Davis and Ian McCulloch respectively in Belfast.

Ebdon became the first man to reach the last eight at the Waterfront Hall with a commanding 5-0 victory over veteran Davis.

Australian Robertson soon followed as he also took all five frames played against fellow left-hander McCulloch.

World number six Ebdon hit breaks of 40, 48, 79, 83 and 49 to deny Davis even a frame I n the match, with 'The Nugget' only managing a highest knock of 23 in the 76 total points won in the match.

"Steve missed a couple of shots, but I was pretty pleased with my own performance," said Ebdon.

"I heard from a lot of the players that the tables were lightning-fast, which I thought helped. I thought my table was magnificent.

"I had a few frames with Mark Allen at his club in Antrim the other day - and it has done me the world of good."

Current UK champion Ebdon is keen for a strong defence of his title next month and is glad he has hit form in Belfast.

"I came here to have a decent run - and I feel as though I'm getting better with every match I play.

"I'm improving with every match. I'm here competing and I'm here fighting, which is a good sign, especially with the UK (Championship) just around the corner."

Respect

Ebdon says he was honoured to go up against the legendary Davis, who is still able to maintain a top 16 spot even at the age of 50.

"Steve has been a great ambassador for snooker, if I choose to still be competing in the top 16 when I'm his age, then I would be very proud," Ebdon added.

"It's an honour to play him. I've always looked up to him as a player. You can only be the best you can in your era - and he certainly was."

Australian Robertson is looking to bounce back after the disappointment of going out early in the defence of his Grand Prix title in Aberdeen last month.

'The Melbourne Machine' won two ranking events last season and his quest for another this year goes on after he destroyed Ian McCulloch 5-0.