Judd Trump's grip on the World No 1 ranking is now uncertain following a stunning second-round elimination at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield on Monday evening.
The 36-year-old former world champion appeared destined for a comfortable victory against Hossein Vafaei, having established a commanding 10-7 advantage after the opening frame of their final session.
Vafaei, ranked 32nd globally and the sole unseeded player to progress through the opening round, was considered a significant underdog against one of snooker's most ruthless competitors.
Yet the Iranian had different intentions, mounting an extraordinary fightback that left the Bristol native visibly agitated in his chair, powerless to halt the momentum swing.
Speaking afterwards, Trump drew parallels between his disappointing exit and the broader struggles that have characterised his campaign.
And he also expressed regret over a missed chance late on that ultimately proved costly.
"Yeah disappointing session tonight, apart from 11-10 down when I got going again," Trump reflected.
Judd Trump's grip on the World No 1 ranking is now uncertain following a stunning second-round elimination at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield on Monday evening
|PA
"Had a great chance in the last frame as well, just run out of position straight away, just sums up my season really."
Vafaei, having trailed, reeled off four frames in succession to level the contest, seizing control as Trump's composure deserted him.
Trump briefly steadied himself, claiming two frames to move within touching distance of victory at 12-11.
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Five quirky facts about snooker | PAHowever, the Iranian responded with devastating precision when it mattered most.
A century break of 103 wrested the momentum back in Vafaei's favour, denying Trump the chance to close out the match.
He then compiled a superb 93 in the deciding frame to complete the upset and book his maiden quarter-final appearance at the Crucible.
Trump showed considerable grace in defeat, warmly embracing his conqueror despite the crushing nature of the loss.
Australian Neil Robertson now has the opportunity to dethrone him as world No 1, with the pair's positions dependent on Robertson's upcoming encounter with Scottish veteran John Higgins, which begins tomorrow.
Should Robertson claim the title in Sheffield, Trump will be displaced from the summit.
Judd Trump praised Hossein Vafaei following his exit from the World Snooker Championship
|PA
Trump has revealed he offered words of encouragement to Vafaei following their post-match embrace.
"Just to believe in himself a little more," Trump explained when asked about their conversation.
"I think he's more than good enough to win all kinds of events, I think he just lacks a little bit of self belief at times, maybe at the start of the game."
Trump also acknowledged that once Vafaei sensed vulnerability, he capitalised ruthlessly.
"But when he got going and when he saw I wasn't playing well he pounced on it, he just needs to do it from the start," he added.