Mark Williams refused to make excuses for his shock defeat at Sheffield this afternoon as his reign as Embassy world champion came to an end.
The world number one lost 13-11 to Joe Perry after threatening to score a famous comeback win.
Ten days ago Williams became a father for the first time, disrupting the preparations for his title defence. But the sporting Welshman admitted after losing his grip on the trophy:
"Joe played better than me and he held his nerve superbly in the last three frames. I thought I had a good chance of winning when I went in front at 11-10 but he responded really well when the pressure was on."
"That was the most pressure he's probably ever been under and he was a worthy winner. Of course I'd rather still be in the tournament but I have have got plenty to look forward to when I get home - apart from the dirty nappies.
"Connor has been sleeping quite well apparently but that will probably change when I get home."
Williams looked down and out when he resumed the final session 10-6 behind. However, he was determined not to go out without a fight. And when he reeled off five unanswered frames Perry's chances of reaching The Crucible quarter-finals for the first time looked slim.
Instead, with the weight of expectancy removed from his shoulders, the world number 16 found a new lease of life. He drew level at 11-11 with a break of 55 and then allowed Williams just six points in the closing two frames.
Runs of 53 and a closing 82 sent sparkling Perry into a last eight meeting with Paul Hunter or Matthew Stevens.
"If I have beaten the world champion and world number one then people will think I should beat anyone," said the 29-year-old former European and China Open runner-up.
"And I've known that myself for years. This win will certainly give me a lot more self belief and confidence. I felt good this morning at breakfast. But as soon as MC Alan Hughes called out my name, it hit me like a brick wall. I couldn't pot a ball.
"However, when I went 11-10 down the pressure transferred itself to Mark. And I'm really proud of the way I came through it in the end. But it's a massive win for me. I know Mark didn't play that well but I still had to win the match."
Perry's victory is worth a guaranteed £31,000 - easily the highest pay-day of his 13-year professional career. And there could be another £17,600 coming his way if no-one improves his fifth-frame 145 clearance.