EBDON JOINS THE BBC COMMENTATORS CLUB

Peter Ebdon arrived at Alexandra Palace in good time for his debut full live commentary stint with the BBC alongside Dennis Taylor for the Stuart Bingham v Ding Junhui evening first-round match on opening Sunday.

Being a former world champion, Ebdon very much fitted the mould for recent BBC appointments in the role, and Taylor and fellow former Crucible king and broadcaster John Parrott spent time reassuring Ebdon in the salubrious surroundings of the media centre canteen area before he took up his place in the booth.

For Parrott, this consisted mainly of telling Ebdon that Taylor once couldn’t speak in the commentary box with a large boiled sweet in his mouth, which led to the wise-cracking Scouser immediately offering him another one.

But Taylor had his own victory to celebrate, having finally won a battle lasting several years with the bean-counters to install some more comfortable chairs for the late-night finishes.

Ebdon was helpfully told by the press that swearing, shouting ‘Vegan Power’ at full volume and discussing the merits of organic carrots were all de rigeur as a commentator – advice he wisely chose to ignore.

SICK AS A PARROTT

John Parrott took advantage of the Tuesday night off shift with the BBC at the Masters to steal away to Upton Park and see his beloved Everton in an FA Cup third-round replay.

The 1991 world champion has had trouble before as a recognisable sporting celebrity and fan, notably when recently watching the Toffees win at Old Trafford. Unable to fully conceal his joy when a goal went in and at the final whistle, Parrott ended up being accosted by an elderly Mancunian lady wielding a pie who took objection to his presence in the ground.

Taking no chances in east London though, Parrott treated himself to a night in one of West Ham’s hospitality lounges and seating areas to watch the game.

He certainly got value for money, with the replay going to extra time after finishing 1-1 after 90 minutes, and then 2-2 after the extra 30, requiring a penalty shootout.

But on a dramatic night there was ultimate disappointment as Everton keeper Robles missed with his spot-kick while opposite number Adrian scored to secure a 9-8 success.