But even though the Question of Sport team captain has suffered a slump in form and plans to retire in a couple of years’ time, he believes he is still capable of making an impact at the highest level.

Parrott pointed out the example of Jimmy White, who similarly dropped out of the elite group 12 months ago but has bounced back to reclaim his place with some impressive results this season.

‘‘The way I’ve played, I don’t deserve to be in the top 16,’’ said the 1991 world champion, who was losing his opening match in Sheffield for only the second time in 18 visits.

‘‘But one thing about next year is that if I have a match before I get to the televised stages then maybe I’ll be a bit more dangerous.

‘‘One of the things that has caught me napping this year is that I’ve been playing people who have already had a match.

‘‘There’s always something to look on. Obviously you’d prefer to be in the top 16. But it doesn’t mean that all of a sudden you’re off the circuit and not playing any more.

‘‘Look at Jimmy White - he had a good start to the season. It’s possible to get back in. You just have to play better than I have this season.’’

Whereas Parrott looked on the positive side after his exit, eighth seed Alan McManus found nothing to enthuse about after he had lost 10-2 to Patrick Wallace of Northern Ireland.

The Glaswegian looked a broken man as he revealed how his mental approach to the match had been all wrong and even the fact he left his cue behind when leaving the subsequent press conference indicated his mind was troubled.

‘‘I wasn’t enjoying it and it just didn’t feel right,’’ said the 30-year-old.

‘‘I let myself down a bit. It’s disappointing to come here and feel that way. My head went down and you shouldn’t be like that.

‘‘I didn’t get my head into the game at all. I’ve been having problems starting matches for the last couple of years. I seem to go out there sometimes and not even try, and you can’t do that.

‘‘I’ve been going into some matches and waiting until I’m 2-0 down before I start trying to do anything. I feel like the first couple of frames don’t matter.

‘‘It’s all upstairs. Sometimes you don’t think the things you should be thinking. It’s not that what I was thinking about is worth talking about.

‘‘Sometimes the game is too easy. You can be in a game and you can’t be bothered potting the balls. Sometimes I don’t want to try. It’s weird.’’