He continued his surge of form into the World Championship by recording a 10–0 whitewash over Alfie Burden in qualifying. However, his season was ended when he drew Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first round and lost 4–10, meaning he has failed to beat him since their infamous 2005 quarter-final. Despite his win in China, Ebdon finished the season ranked world number 20 meaning he had dropped 7 places during the year.