• Snooker

Williams and Dott to miss out at Crucible

ESPN staff
April 16, 2014
Mark Williams has not missed a World Championship since 1996 © PA Photos
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Mark Williams will miss the World Championship for the first time in 18 years after he failed to qualify for snooker's most prestigious tournament.

Williams, a two-time world champion having won the trophy in 2000 and 2003, will not appear at the Crucible when the tournament begins on April 19. The last time he missed out was in 1996.

The Welshman was beaten 10-8 by Alan McManus in the final qualifying round. McManus had trailed 8-7 during the evening session but won three successive frames to complete victory and book his place in the main round draw.

As a result, Williams has also lost his place in the world's top 16.

Graeme Dott, the 2006 world champion, failed to qualify after he suffered a 10-7 loss to world No.88 Kyren Wilson.

Two-time runner-up Matthew Stevens lost 10-8 to Tom Ford at Sheffield's Ponds Forge Arena and will miss out on the main draw at the nearby Crucible.

Earlier in April, six-time world champion and Crucible winner Steve Davis lost his Tour card after he was beaten by Craig Steadman in their qualifier. Jimmy White, a six-time runner-up, failed in his bid to qualify after he lost 10-4 to Ian Burns in round two.

White will keep his Tour card, however, after finishing the season 61st - inside the top 64 threshold.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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