UK Championship: Mark Selby and Jimmy White suffer early exits
Last Updated: 29/11/14 11:09pm
World champion Mark Selby is set to lose his position at the top of the world rankings after suffering a surprise second-round exit to David Morris at the UK Championship.
The 31-year-old fell to a 6-4 defeat to the Irishman, just days after becoming a father for the first time.
Selby's wife Vikki gave birth to their daughter Sofia on November 11 and the three-time Masters champion said getting to spend time with his family was a welcome silver lining.
"At least I can go back home and spend as much time as possible with my daughter," said Selby, who is set to see either Neil Robertson or Ding Junhui replace him as world number one.
He was just a little bit unlucky sometimes. It was good for me to win the second and third frames to put him under pressure
Ding Junhui reflects on Jimmy White's efforts
"I've known David for a few years and I know he dropped off the tour and thought about stopping playing, but I know the potential he has got he should be doing a lot better than he is at the moment. He showed what a good player he is out there."
For Morris, the world number 62, the victory was the biggest of his career.
"I'm delighted to win and to beat someone of Mark's class is a big feather in my cap," said Morris, who will face Gilbert in the next round.
"I had a few good wins last year but I don't think any of them compare to that one because it's such a big event."
Jimmy White, who won the tournament in 1992, lost 6-2 to Ding after taking the first frame and coming close to edging the second only to lose it after an epic safety battle.
White managed to close to 3-2 behind but that was as close as he got as Ding pulled clear for an ultimately comfortable victory.
"I think Jimmy played OK today," said Ding. "He was just a little bit unlucky sometimes. It was good for me to win the second and third frames to put him under pressure."
Three-time champion John Higgins beat Jamie Cope, while world No 84 Fraser Patrick beat Wales' Ryan Day 6-4 and Marco Fu made three centuries in an impressive 6-1 victory over China's Lyu Haotian.
Judd Trump benefited from a first-round walkover on Tuesday when Chinese opponent Rouzi Maimaiti had visa problems, and the Bristolian was largely untroubled in Saturday's evenign session in what became his opening match as he brushed aside Indian Aditya Mehta.
The 2011 UK champion won through to the third round by beating Mehta 6-1, highlighted by a century in the fifth frame.
Two-time former champion Mark Williams beat Jimmy Robertson 6-0.
