Joe Perry was left devastated when he beat close friend Mark Davis at the 2023 World Snooker Championship.
The pair met in the final round of qualifying for a place at The Crucible two years ago with Davis facing the additional stake of his professional status being on the line.
The ‘Battler from Hastings’ needed to win to retain his tour card or face the prospect of coming through Q School.
However, he fell to an agonising 10-9 defeat as Perry advanced to the main draw instead.
Despite his victory, Perry was left feeling ‘physically sick’ due to the consequences of the result for Davis.
After the match, the former Crucible semi-finalist admitted: “I don’t know what to feel. Mark was clearing up and we all know what was at stake for him. He did all the hard work but missed [the pink] and I came to the table.
“I felt physically sick for him – it was a horrible feeling because he’s one of my best friends.
“I should be absolutely delighted and over the moon, but it’s weird. I’m chuffed to bits to go to the Crucible, but the way it’s happened I just feel so sick for him.”
Perry would be involved in another 19-frame epic once he entered the main draw.
On that occasion he was unable to win the deciding frame, though, losing 10-9 to Robert Milkins in the first round.
Fortunately for both Perry and Milkins, the World Snooker Tour would announce a change to their tour card requirements.
Following the World Championship, the number of players on the two-year ranking list retaining their status was increased from 64 to 68.
Davis was able to remain on the tour after changes were made by the WSTGetty Images - Getty Perry was beaten in the first round of the main draw at The Crucible in 2023Getty Images - GettyAs a result, Davis was able to remain on the tour for the 2023/24 season.
He has since avoided a repeat of his devastating loss to Perry by rising to 53rd in the rankings.
It means that the 52-year-old is set to once again secure his place on the tour next season.
Meanwhile, Perry announced this month that he would retire from professional snooker after the World Championship.
His third qualifying round loss to Yuan Sijun was therefore the final match of the Gentleman’s career.
Afterwards, Perry said: “There’s people I’d like to swap careers with and I’m sure there are plenty out there that would like to have had mine. I’ve got no regrets.
“I’ve given snooker everything and the time has come. I’m absolutely fine with it.”
Davis was also knocked out in the penultimate qualifying round after losing 10-9 to Ben Woollaston.
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