World Snooker Championship: Peter Ebdon misses out for the first time in 22 years

Peter Ebdon's 22-year streak of Crucible appearances came to an end after he lost 10-8 to Finland's Robin Hull in the final round of World Championship qualifying. Ebdon, world champion in 2002, only managed three breaks over 50 in the match and lost eventually despite fighting back from 9-6 down. Robin Hull will make his second appearance at the World Championship, his previous presence was in 2002 and then he retired in 2008, having suffered heart trouble and survived a life-threatening virus. He made his return to the tour three years later. Ebdon is the third former world champion to miss out in the final round of qualifying as Graeme Dott and Mark Williams both lost on Tuesday. Michael Wasley, Xiao Guodong and Robbie Williams secured World Championship debuts. Wasley and Williams had to survive thrilling matches, beating Robert Milkins and Fergal O'Brien respectively on respotted blacks in deciding frames. China's Guodong had a much easier task as he thrashed Li Yan 10-1. Jamie Burnett, Martin Gould and Welsh 22-year-old Michael White, a surprise quarter-finalist in last year's tournament, also advanced to the main draw. Burnett managed eight half-centuries during a 10-8 victory over Ben Woollaston, Gould defeated Liang Wenbo 10-7 and White defeated Matthew Selt 10-7. Welshman Ryan Day, a three-time quarter-finalist, also made it into the main draw in Sheffield with a 10-5 victory over Stuart Carrington. This year's tournament has Ronnie O'Sullivan as the big favourite and if you fancy him (or any other player) to deliver a 147 break at the Crucible you could make some money at Bet365. The odds are 11/10 for a 147 during the tournament and 4/6 for no maximum break at the Crucible this year.