David Gilbert became the biggest casualty of the Turkish Masters qualifying so far after losing a dramatic match against Andy Hicks 5-4 in Leicester.
Gilbert is chasing down a spot in the top 16 of the world rankings ahead and a potential automatic berth at the Crucible for the World Championship.
But the 2021 Championship League winner will come away from the inaugural Turkish Masters empty handed after being denied in the qualifying round at the Morningside Arena.
Seemingly destined to go all the way, a high-scoring affair ebbed one way and then the other as Hicks pinched glory on the final black with a terrific 61 clearance.
Elsewhere, Anthony McGill could only muster a single break above 50 but managed to outlast Jamie Clarke with a 5-3 scoreline.
Fellow former ranking event winners Michael White, who is involved as an amateur top-up, and Michael Holt progressed thanks to respective victories against Sunny Akani and John Astley.
Jimmy Robertson, enjoying a decent season that will be rewarded by his participation in next week’s Players Championship, wasted little time in thrashing Dean Young 5-1, while Andrew Higginson went one better in a whitewash defeat of Jamie O’Neill.
Robert Milkins, Alexander Ursenbacher, Jak Jones, and late replacement Dylan Emery also recorded one-sided wins – the latter an impressive 5-0 drubbing of Alfie Burden.
Among the others to make it through and reach the venue stages in Turkey next month were English duo Sam Craigie and Joe O’Connor.
Live coverage of the Turkish Masters qualifying is available on the Eurosport Player and Matchroom.Live (selected territories)
Click here to view the draw and schedule (times in CET)
Featured photo credit: WST
Second time this season Hicks has beaten Dave Gilbert in a decider.