The 42-year-old Australian, who won the title in 2010, was beaten 10-9 on Wednesday by Welshman Jamie Jones, whose break of 60 in the decider was enough to take him through for the sixth time.

Robertson last missed out on the Crucible in 2004 but a desperate season, in which he has reached just one tour semi-final, sent him out of the world's top 16 and into the qualifying stages.

Robertson had looked set to pull away and book his place in Thursday's first-round draw after winning four frames in a row to lead 8-5.

But Jones responded by reeling off the next three and went on to claim his first win over Robertson after heavy defeats in all seven of their previous meetings.

Jones said: "Neil has buried me every time I've played him, so I haven't got good memories of playing him before, but I stuck with him.

"I don't know what it is about this tournament but there is something that just brings out the best in me."

Australian Associated Press