Neil Robertson will miss the World Championship for the first time in 20 years, having lost 10-9 to Jamie Jones in the final qualifying match.
The Australian has battled for form this season, missing out on an automatic ticket in the sport's top event in Sheffield after falling out of the top 16 rankings.
Robertson, who won the legendary trophy in 2010, defeated Zak Surety 10-2 in the penultimate round of qualifying and was leading by 8-5 against Jones before losing this qualifying match.
He made his debut in 2004; since then, it has been the first time he is not in the Crucible championship. However, he has promised himself that he will come back stronger.
Well, that hurts,” Robertson wrote on X. “Fair play to Jamie though from 8-5 up I barely had a chance he played brilliantly.
Tough season all around and some time off is needed for sure. Thanks, everyone for the continued support I’ll be back much stronger next season I can guarantee that.
Robertson recovered from a 2-0 deficit to win eight of the next eleven games against Jones, including two centuries and six 50-plus breaks.
But Jones tied at 8-8 and forced a final-frame decision, which he won with a superb 60.
When the competition starts on April 20, the Welshman, who made his Crucible debut in 2012, is expected to make his sixth appearance, he has also advanced to the quarterfinals.
The long matches in this tournament suit me, my style of play is never 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 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.
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