Ding Junhui’s bid for a historic fourth straight ranking title was ended and Judd Trump also crashed out in the last 16 of the UK Championship.
Ding had won the Shanghai Masters, the Indian Open and the International Championship, and victory in York would have brought him the longest run of ranking triumphs since Stephen Hendry’s five in 1990.
But Ricky Walden pulled out a hard-fought 6-4 win after a tense finish to the 10th frame. And Mark Allen came from 3-1 and 4-2 down to beat world No 4 Trump 6-4 at the Barbican Centre.
Reigning champion Mark Selby had a low-key 6-2 win over Graeme Dott while Stuart Bingham beat Irish surprise package David Morris 6-1.
Dott’s defeat ended his hopes of qualifying for next month’s Masters, meaning Joe Perry’s place is assured ahead of his last 16 clash with close friend Neil Robertson.
The Scot needed to progress at least one round further than Perry, or reach the final to overhaul Mark Davis.
Robert Milkins had secured his place on Tuesday by beating Matthew Stevens to reach the last 16, while Ricky Walden’s run to the quarter-finals has also ensured his presence at Alexandra Palace.
Along with Dott and Stevens, both Mark Williams and Ali Carter failed to progress far enough in York to break into the 16-man field.
With the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, Ding Junhui and Judd Trump also qualified, the field will look very similar to that for the last 16 in York.
Stephen Maguire, Barry Hawkins, Shaun Murphy, Mark Allen, Stuart Bingham, John Higgins and Marco Fu complete the 16, meaning the only differences from the UK fourth round are Fu and Davis replacing Dott and world No 93 David Morris.
The Masters takes place from January 12 to 19.