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Peter Ebdon has always been something of an enigma in snooker.

Ebdon added the 2006 UK crown to his 2002 world title

The 36-year-old once sported a ponytail, used to swim a mile a day, breeds race horses and has even sung on two pop singles.

On the baize, Ebdon can excite with his fine shot-making but exasperate by grinding out results - he took five minutes to make a break of 12 at the Crucible in 2005.

Never afraid to show his emotions, he upset fellow pro Stephen Lee in 2001 with one particularly exuberant victory outburst.

Last year, Ebdon added to his reputation as snooker's man apart by emigrating with his family to Dubai.

On Sunday, he beat Stephen Hendry 10-6 to win the UK Championship and in doing so became the ninth player to do the UK and world double.

Having not won a title since the Irish Masters in 2004, has his move to Dubai helped him find his best form?

Ebdon told the BBC his decision was partly down to tax reasons, low crime rates and good weather.

But snooker legend and BBC commentator Terry Griffiths, who is one of the nine to do the snooker double, believes the change in lifestyle might have also boosted his game.

"There are plenty of snooker tables in Dubai, but Peter chooses not to take his cue with him," said Wales's 1982 UK champion.

	When he goes back to the Middle East, he doesn't play snooker

"When he goes back to the Middle East, he doesn't play snooker which means he spends more time with his family. That wasn't the case when he lived in England.

"He comes back here just before the big tournaments, like the UK and World, and puts a lot of hard practice in. That formula seems to have worked quite well.

"Both Peter and his wife, Deborah, told me they are very happy in Dubai and I think that's where they want to live."

In order to prepare himself for York, Ebdon practised with Ding Junhui, who he beat in the last eight, at snooker's Academy in Sheffield for the month leading up to the event.

"It's testing for Peter because he has to spend time away from his family, and I think all those emotions came out when made his victory speech after winning on Sunday," added Griffiths.

Ebdon burst into tears during his interview with the BBC after revealing his regret that his family could not be with him in York.

Griffiths was surprised that Ebdon managed to land the UK crown after an indifferent season that had seen him pick up the least number of ranking points among the top 10 prior to the UK Championship.

"He wasn't one of my fancied players at the start of the tournament. But after I saw him beat Mark Selby 9-6 in his opening round, I thought he could be a runner.

"You never know with Peter. If he's struggling a bit, like he did at times in the Crucible final this year, he slows up his play and takes a long time over his shots. But when he's playing well, he's quite fluent.

"I wouldn't rule him out of landing another world title. He's the sort of player who times his preparations brilliantly for the big events."

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