Drago locked in 4-4 draw with Ebdon

There was a distinct clash of styles at the Crucible last night but it finished with honours even between methodical Peter Ebdon and frantic potter Tony Drago.

Defending champion Ebdon was on the ropes in the early stages of the last-16 meeting as Malta's Drago blasted in breaks of 38 and 92 to take the first two frames within 22 minutes.

The world No 3 from Wellingborough managed to slow the pace of the game down and won four of the remaining six frames - which averaged 25 minutes each.

Drago, ranked 28, led 3-1 at the interval, then Ebdon took the next with a 45. The Tornado should have won the sixth frame but missed the final blue to a centre pocket and the Englishman knocked it in to draw level. Ebdon went ahead for the first time by winning a safety battle on the last red in frame nine. He might have won the last of the night but missed a tough final green with the rest and Drago mopped up to make it 4-4 going into today's second session.

In an earlier encounter Paul Hunter beat Allister Carter 10-5 to set up a second-round clash with Matthew Stevens.

Leading 8-1 overnight, Hunter saw Carter cut his advantage to four frames at 9-5 before sealing victory in the 15th frame.

"He came back well and it was a matter of me falling over the line," said Hunter.

The prospect of facing Stevens is especially sweet for Hunter as the pair have known each other since competing in junior competitions.

Hunter is now bidding to go beyond the second round at The Crucible for the first time.

He said: "I'm more determined this year than I've ever been over the past four years, probably because I haven't done well here. I'm determined to pick that trophy up."

Seven-times champion Stephen Hendry leads fellow Scot Drew Henry 5-3 after the opening session in their second round match.

Henry, who knocked out 11th seed Mark King in the first round, opened up a 3-0 lead. But Hendry hit back, winning the last five frames of the afternoon to take control in this best-of-25-frames tie.

Hendry passed another world championship milestone yesterday when making made a superb 115 in the sixth frame. This was the 100th century he has made in the world championship, an amazing achievement.

Results: Hunter bt Carter 10-5; Williams bt Pettman 10-2; Hendry leads Henry 5-3; Ebdon level with Drago 4-4.