Reanne Evans gave former world champion Ken Doherty a huge scare last night before seeing her Crucible dream dashed.

The 10-times women’s world champion was attempting to become the first woman ever to appear in the final stages of the World Championships.

But after a leading 3-1 and then drawing level at 6-6 the 29-year-old from Dudley was finally edged out 10-8 in a thrilling and tense qualifier by former world No2 Doherty.

Evans, who faced overt prejudice early in her career as a club player in the West Midlands, looked all set to force a decider.

But Irish legend Doherty obtained a snooker on the final pink and cleared up to squeak through.

Currently an amateur, Evans enjoyed just a single season on the main tour four years ago when she did not win a match.

But should another tour wild-card be on offer next season Evans looks ready to make much better use of it after a fine display against the 45-year-old Doherty.

Doherty, who himself must still win another two matches to emerge from the qualifiers, earned £6,000 last night for his victory - four times what Evans got for her 10th world title in a row.

That compares to the £300,000 Mark Selby pocketed for his world title 12 months ago - but Evans is a trailblazer that snooker will need for its bid for Olympic inclusion.

It was a superb start from Evans who led 3-1 after the first mini-session - however Doherty turned things around to lead 5-4 going in to the evening finale.

Evans pegged him back at 6-6 - but crucial frames then started to leak away, and the Dubliner, who had looked edgy at times, moved clear.

The best woman player since Allison Fisher in the 1990s came within a couple of pots of levelling again at 8-8 and then again to force a decider - but fell agonisingly short.

However her performance will have inspired many to follow her lead and last long in the memory of all who watched it.