John Higgins admits he was 'heartbroken' after his World Snooker Championship came to a bitter end against Mark Williams.
The two legends played out a 13-12 thriller at the Crucible but it was the Welshman who edged it in the final frame.
The quarter-final showdown had it all; Higgins raced into a 5-1 lead before Williams dominated the second session and led 12-8 at one stage in the third.
But Higgins rallied and won four frames on the bounce to make it 12-12.
He then had the chance to win it himself but a missed blue on the baulk cushion proved costly with only three balls left on the table.
And Williams cleared up to leave a gutted Higgins heartbroken as he spoke to the BBC.
He said: "I had a chance there and blew it. I was struggling to see pockets at that stage in the game. But Mark is a great champion, every credit to him.
"It's understandable at this point of the game. It's tough.
"I got my chance and didn't take it so it is what it is.
"I've had a good season. The atmosphere out there was incredible and the standing ovation was great. He's just pipped me again.
"There's no better place to play when you win or lose. It's heartbreaking, but it's just one of those things.
"He played amazing to go 12-8, then I came back and had by chance and didn't take it."
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