PETER Ebdon is the king of China after beating Stephen Maguire in a long and epic final to become China Open champion.

In a match lasting more than seven and a half hours and which finished at nearly 1am local time, Ebdon – who had to qualify to get to Beijing – secured his ninth world ranking title-winning 10-9 despite a tremendous fightback from the Scot.

The win completes a remarkable turn around for London-born player, who was in danger of losing of his place in the world’s top 32 earlier this season.

For Maguire it is more final heartbreak after losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final of the German Masters in February. Maguire could have easily gone into the upcoming World Championship having won two major recent ranking events. 

But the Glaswegian can take heart for the way he came back into contention in Beijing after looking out of the contest at 5-1 down after the first session. Maguire returned to form and restored parity at 8-8 playing some brilliant tactical snooker during a remarkable fightback after he looked set for a humiliating defeat.

But it was the 2002 World Champion who got over the finishing line winning a thrilling deciding frame after Maguire missed the crucial final red which let Ebdon to take the match away from his opponent.

Ebdon has now won competition twice after first winning the title in 2009 and his victory has also secured him a place in this year’s Premier League competition.