Jimmy White's world title dream turned into a familiar nightmare at Sheffield tonight, as the recently-crowned Players Championship winner crashed to a shock 10-8 defeat against Norfolk qualifier Barry Pinches.
White needed to win both frames when the match entered an unscheduled third session but the 41-year-old Londoner, six times a Crucible runner-up, wasted chances in what proved to be the last frame.
The Norwich-based Pinches, playing at the Crucible for the first time since 1991, clinched his place in the last 16 against Stuart Pettman or seven-times winner Stephen Hendry.
Earlier, pre-tournament favourite, Ronnie O'Sullivan gained a 6-3 overnight lead on European Open champion Stephen Maguire.
O'Sullivan, beaten in the first round 12 months ago, made a hesitant start against the 23-year-old Glaswegian.
Maguire, the youngest player at The Crucible this year, led 2-1 on his Sheffield debut and then compiled 121 to regain the lead at 3-2.
O'Sullivan, trying to regain the title after a three-year wait, should have then slipped 4-2 down.
However, Maguire, leading 61-0, suffered an unfortunate kick on a red, bringing an end to a break of 31.
O'Sullivan seized the opportunity to draw level for a third time. That error appeared to prey on the mind of the talented Scot, who did not win another frame.
The Rocket completed his third 50-plus break to go in front for the first time before a rash shot by his opponent presented another high-scoring chance.
Maguire, who beat White in the European Open final, failed with a risky attempt at a plant.
And the world number three from Chigwell ended a 109 clearance potting balls right and left handedly to save walking round the table.
He also took frame nine and now requires four of tomorrow morning's 10 frames to earn a meeting with Devon qualifier Andy Hicks in round two.