Gunnell hopes sunk by Ebdon

Telford-based Adrian Gunnell was sent tumbling out of the Northern Ireland Trophy last night after losing 5-2 to UK champion Peter Ebdon - despite holding an early 2-0 lead.

The county cueman, who beat Marcu Fu in the first round, relinquished his early advantage as Ebdon pocketed breaks of 74, 76, and 62 to progress to the third stage.

Gunnell, the world No 40, now moves on to the Prestatyn qualifying tournament for next month's Maplin UK Championships in Telford.