World champion John Higgins was sent crashing out of the 2011 Australian Open this morning after a 5-4 defeat to qualifier Matthew Selt.
The world number two led 4-1 and seemed in cruise control despite not playing anywhere near his best in Bendigo.
However, 26 year-old Selt won the final four frames to record a memorable victory and book his place in the last 16 of a ranking tournament for the first time in his career.
Like Judd Trump yesterday, Higgins showed some signs of early season lack of sharpness despite having had the experience of playing at the World Cup in Bangkok last week.
That, of course, was a thoroughly different format and the Scotsman appeared to struggle with the readjustment of the regular best of 9 schedule.
This is by no means taking away from his opponent’s performance, though, who has enjoyed a surge up the rankings list since the influx of events over the last twelve months.
The Englishman will challenge another Scottish legend for a place in the quarter-finals when he faces veteran Stephen Hendry in the second round.
Elsewhere on the second day, there was joy for the home fans as 2010 world champion Neil Robertson eased past Nigel Bond 5-2.
Although not firing on all cylinders, it was a good warm-up for the Melbourne man and he gradually appeared more fluent as the match progressed.
Robertson will meet Dominic Dale in the last 16 following the Welshman’s triumph over Robertson’s World Cup team-mate, Steve Mifsud.
Mark Allen continued his good form of late with a 5-3 victory over former top 16 player Ryan Day in a high quality affair but recent Wuxi Classic runner-up Ali Carter lost by the same scoreline to Marcus Campbell in the day’s second shock.
Lastly, Shaun Murphy made light work of Rory McLeod in a 5-1 second round defeat. The 2005 world champion looks in menacing mood and is the first man to book his place in the last 8.
