Jimmy White's dream of returning to the Crucible is over for another year, after he was beaten 10-4 by Martin O'Donnell in qualifying for the World Championship.
O'Donnell took control of the contest on Wednesday, building a 7-2 overnight lead, and though White began Thursday's concluding session in determined fashion, he couldn't find the answers and ultimately slumped to a heavy defeat.
In winning the first two frames upon the resumption, the second coming in dramatic fashion after O'Donnell missed frame ball, hopes of a famous Whirlwind comeback were initially raised.
However, when White couldn't win frame 12 despite making break of 53, O'Donnell ruthlessly took advantage to hand his opponent a cruel body blow.
The game was as good as over at that point and O'Donnell made no mistake, taking out the final two frames and finishing with a match-sealing run of 63.
"He was my hero growing up. It was really hard to play him. Everyone wants him to win and I want him to win. It is mixed emotions," O’Donnell told World Snooker Tour.
"I haven’t played a game out in the spotlight for that for a good while. I was a bit rusty and lacked a bit of composure in parts, but I’m glad I held myself together at the right times. My focus kicked in and I’ll look forward to the next one.
"There probably isn’t a tougher draw out there than the one I’ve had this year. They probably don’t want me either though. I’ll look forward to playing Noppon, I hope it is a good game and the best player will come out on top."
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