Snooker: Stevens crashes out of Welsh Open
World number six Matthew Stevens became the first surprise casualty at snooker's Regal Welsh Open in Cardiff.
Stevens looked to be cruising at 4-1 up against Joe Perry and 59-0 in frame six.
But following a safety duel Perry stole it on the black with a do-or-die 61 clearance, and the pendulum swung.
Stevens, a local favourite who defends his Benson and Hedges Masters title at Wembley next month, lost his way as underdog Perry controlled the remaining three frames thanks to contributions of 70, 63 and 77.
Dubliner Ken Doherty rallied from 2-0 down to score a 5-3 victory over Dominic Dale.
But world number 10 John Parrott crashed to his fifth defeat in six world-ranking event matches when he lost 5-3 to Drew Henry after having a 2-0 lead.
Meanwhile, the Referees Assessment Committee of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association have issued new guidelines to officials following Alan Chamberlain's warning of Fergal O'Brien for slow play during Sunday's Nations Cup final.
Ken Doherty claimed the decision was "an absolute disgrace".
But, following an official complaint from O'Brien, a committee statement today read: "The implementation of time-wasting administered to Fergal O'Brien by Alan Chamberlain was correct according to the rules. However, the way in which the referee applied the rule could have been handled more diplomatically."
