McManus lost his place in the elite top 16 last season

The Glaswegian fought back from 8-5 down to force a deciding frame but Delaney quickly got 41 on the board to wrap up a 10-9 win in Sheffield.

"I'm gutted to have lost," said McManus, twice a Crucible semi-finalist. "But I played well.

"The last frame was the toss of a coin - and I just didn't get a chance."

Delaney, who works in his family's upholstery business, will now make his debut appearance at next month's World Championship.

In that last frame I was sat in my chair thinking about booking my holidays for when the Championship is on Joe Swail

"This is my best ever win and it's a dream come true to reach the Crucible," said Delaney, the world number 63.

Also going through to the blue riband event was Joe Swail, who came through a marathon battle with Dave Harold.

Swail, a Crucible semi-finalist in 2000 and 2001, edged Harold 10-9 after more than eight-and-a-half hours at the table.

"I was gone at the end," Swail said. "In that last frame I was sat in my chair thinking about booking my holidays for when the Championship is on.

"I can't wait to be back at the Crucible. I always enjoy playing there and I'm under less pressure now I've won this match."

Ryan Day, who lost to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the second round last year, defeated Dumbarton's Marcus Campbell 10-5 to go through to the finals.

Nigel Bond, the runner-up 12 years ago, ensured a 13th appearance at the Crucible, beating Glasgow's Jamie Burnett 10-6.

The 41-year-old made a top break of 128 to wrap up victory over Burnett, who had beaten Jimmy White 10-4 in the previous round.