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Jimmy White was beaten 10-5 by David Gray in the first round of the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre.
White's loyal fans turned out in force for their man's annual attempt to claim an elusive world title, but the 43-year-old never found his best form under the unrelenting pressure of the game's most famous stage.
The result means White drops out of the top 32 and, if he is to return to the Crucible Theatre next year, will face two qualifying matches.
White had a mountain climb after losing the opening session 6-3 and never threatened to mount a comeback.
Gray took the opening three frames to move to the brink at 9-3 ahead, before White briefly flickered into life by coming from behind to take the 13th and then knocking in a 53 break to make it 9-5.
But Gray held his nerve in the next to close out victory and book a second-round meeting with Peter Ebdon.
"I really did struggle and it was very frustrating," said White at the post-match press conference.
"I still love this game and feel I'm good enough to win. I'll give it my all and hopefully I'll be back here next year."
On the other table, Australian Neil Robertson opened up a 6-2 lead over Stephen Lee after the first session of their second-round match.
Robertson took the first three frames, including a 109 break in the third, before Lee got on the board with efforts of 64 and 135.
But further runs of 74, 56 and 73 allowed Robertson to open a four-frame advantage. The match resumes on Friday morning.
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Source: Sky Sports |
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