Ken Doherty has been beaten in the World Snooker Championship qualifiers, meaning he has lost his World Snooker Tour card.
The Dubliner lost 6-3 to Mark King in the third qualifier, ending hopes of a Crucible appearance this year.
Doherty, who turned professional in 1990, received an invitational tour card in 2017 after previously falling outside of the top-64 in the World Rankings, and the Ranelagh potter will need similar help if he is to stay on the regular circuit next season.
On Twitter he wrote, as he looked ahead, "let's see what happens."
Thanks for all your kind messages over the last few days,I am truly humbled ❤️ Disappointing to lose and not be playing at the Crucible this year,congrats to @markking147 he played great and good luck to him 👏
— Ken Doherty Official (@kendoherty1997) July 26, 2020
Let’s see what happens,thanks pic.twitter.com/AhW2PnX7ai
Gerard Greene was beaten 6-3 by Tom Ford at the same stage.
Fergal O'Brien secured a 6-5 victory over Luca Brecel in the third round of qualifying yesterday.
Graeme Dott, the 2006 world champion, took another step towards a Crucible return with a 6-0 win over David Grace.
The Scot is looking to appear at the tournament for the 20th time in the last 21 years.
After his whitewash, Dott will face Martin Gould in a battle to decide who qualifies for the first round.
While two-time finalists Matthew Stevens is also just one win away from a return to Sheffield after beating Ian Preece 6-4 to set up a clash against Ricky Walden.
Earlier in the day it was confirmed of the 202 tests carried out on players, officials and staff at the qualifying event, they all returned negative for Covid-19.
