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Ding dumped out by Crucible debutant Wasley

Mark Wasley is making his World Championship debut at the Crucible © Getty Images

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Ding Junhui's hopes of breaking Stephen Hendry's record of five ranking titles in a season were ended after the world No.2 suffered a shock 10-9 defeat to debutant Michael Wasley at the World Championship.

Earlier in April, Ding equalled Hendry's feat by winning the China Open, adding to his Shanghai Masters, Indian Open, International Championship and German Masters titles earlier this season.

The only way he would have been able to break the record this campaign would be doing something he has yet to achieve in his career; being crowned world champion.

However, those hopes were swiftly distinguished by Wasley following an epic conclusion at the Crucible.

Ding led 6-3 overnight in Sheffield, but three consecutive frames from Wasley, including a fantastic break of 135, levelled the match at six frames each.

A 73 and 64 restored a two-frame lead for Ding, but once again the Brit hit back with to make it eight all.

Ding then moved within one frame of victory, but with the score hanging at 9-8 in his favour the match was pulled; the start of Monday's evening session was only 30 minutes away and the tables had to be cleaned for the late starters.

Following the culmination of Mark Selby's narrow victory against Michael White, Ding and opponent Wasley returned to the table.

The debutant took the match to a deciding frame thanks to a timely, precise break of 103. As expected, nothing really separated the two in an otherwise edgy 19th and final frame, until Wasley sunk the blue; Ding would need a snooker if he was to stay in the tournament.

The Chinaman followed up with three brilliant efforts, but Wasley did not buckle under the pressure and, on his fourth attempt to claw back the points, Ding left the pink over the middle pocket.

The 24-year-old Wasley did not let his chance slip and potted firmly to seal a shock victory over the world No.2 and a spot in the last 16.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd