WORLD number one Mark Selby became the latest star to have suffered a shock first round exit in the World Grand Prix.

Selby, world champion of 2014, joined the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson to head home early after losing 4-2 to close friend Tom Ford.

Mark Selby. Picture by Monique Limbos

Ford, who is also from Selby’s hometown of Leicester, impressed to claim a 4-2 win over one of the pre-tournament favourites.

“I felt relaxed tonight because Mark and I grew up together so I didn’t think of it as playing the world number one,” Ford told World Snooker’s website.

“I played well and Mark missed a few. It’s up there with my best wins of the season. Mark was due to get me a ticket to see Leicester play Newcastle on Monday but I’m not sure he will now!”

Elsewhere, Stuart Bingham had reason to smile after he gained an impressive 4-1 win over David Gilbert.

Bingham, who has not won a title since his memorable Crucible triumph almost a year ago, will next face defending champion Judd Trump who beat Mark Williams 4-1.

Shanghai Masters winner Kyren Wilson boosted his hopes of securing a guaranteed top 16 spot in the World Championships with a 4-2 win over Welshman Jamie Jones.

World Grand Prix – Second Round Draw

John HIGGINS vs Ryan DAY
Judd TRUMP vs Stuart BINGHAM
Tom FORD vs Ali CARTER
Joe PERRY vs Kyren WILSON
Martin GOULD vs Shaun MURPHY
Michael HOLT vs Liang WENBO
Mark ALLEN vs Thepchaiya UN-NOOH
Ding JUNHUI vs Peter EBDON