Two of the fans favourites fell at the first hurdle today in the Irish Masters snooker tournament in the CityWest Hotel, Dublin.
Always a popular figure at the Masters, Jimmy White bowed out this afternoon, losing 6-4 to Scot Alan McManus.
The scoreline flattered White, who never really looked like pulling off the victory. Afterward, he attributed his poor form to his disappointment at missing out on the upcoming World Championships.
McManus will now face fellow Scot, Stephen Hendry in the Quarter-final.
Dubliner Fergal O’Brien got off to the worst possible start, losing 6-2 to world number six, Welshman Matthew Stevens.
It looked tight early on with O’Brien, having had a glorious opportunity to end the first session 3-1 up, ending up all square 2-2 at the interval.
Stevens dominated the remainder of the match, winning every remaining frame.
He now meets compatriot Mark Williams in the last eight.