For the first time in 20 years, Neil Robertson will not be at the Crucible for the World Championship after the former champion lost 10-9 to Jamie Jones in the final qualifying round.
The Australian has struggled for form this season and missed out on an automatic spot in the sport’s showpiece event in Sheffield after dropping out of the top 16.
Robertson, who lifted the iconic trophy in 2010, thrashed Zak Surety 10-2 in the penultimate round of qualifying and led 8-5 against Jones before going on to lose.
Having made his debut in 2004, it brings the 42-year-old’s long run of successive appearances in the World Championship to an end.
He has, however, vowed to bounce back next season.
“Well that hurts,” Robertson wrote on X. “Fair play to Jamie though from 8-5 up I barely had a chance he played brilliant.
“Tough season all round and some time off needed for sure. Thanks everyone for the continued support I’ll be back much stronger next season I can guarantee that.”
Robertson rallied from 2-0 down to reel off eight of the next 11 frames against Jones, a run that included two centuries and six 50-plus breaks.
But Jones levelled at 8-8 and then set up a final-frame decider, which he won with a brilliant 60.
The Welshman reached the quarter-finals on his Crucible debut in 2012 and is set to make his sixth appearance when the tournament begins on April 20.
“The long matches in this tournament suit me, my style of play is never to give up,” Jones said. “At 8-5 I went to the practice room and I was thinking if I can come out and hit him early I still have a chance.
“It was such a tough game. It’s one of my best ever wins especially because Neil has buried me every time I have played him.
“I love the way the top players play – I can do that in practice but I don’t do it enough in tournaments. But up against someone like Neil I know I have to play like that.”