World Championship qualifiers: Peter Ebdon beats James Wattana

Former world champion Peter Ebdon also lost two finals at the Crucible in 1996 and 2006

Former world champion Peter Ebdon moved closer to a return to the Crucible with a 10-6 qualifying win over Thailand's James Wattana.

Englishman Ebdon, 45, who triumphed in 2002, must win two more matches to reach the World Championship proper in Sheffield from 16 April to 2 May.

Nigel Bond, runner-up in 1995, advanced with a 10-9 qualifying victory over Andrew Higginson.

Former world number 10 Anthony Hamilton beat Sydney Wilson 10-3.

Six-time runner-up Jimmy White, 53, trails Northern Ireland's Gerard Greene 5-4. They will resume at 14:30 BST on Thursday.

Hong Kong's Ng On Yee, who lost the Ladies' World Championship final to Reanne Evans on Tuesday, trails Peter Lines 9-0.

Graeme Dott, world champion in 2006, leads Brandon Sargeant 5-4, while 1997 winner Ken Doherty begins his match against former semi-finalist Andy Hicks on Thursday.

Sixteen players will qualify from the event at Ponds Forge in Sheffield to join the world's top 16 at the Crucible.