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Matthew Stevens' failure to reach the World championship final has left him devastated.

The Welshman was one frame away from victory in his semi-final against Peter Ebdon, but was found wanting when it mattered most.

Stevens was 33 points ahead with 35 on the table when he made a mistake and handed his opponent a lifeline.

Ebdon went on to take the frame - and the next two - to snatch a 17-16 victory which had looked unlikely.

Stevens has suffered a number of deciding frame losses this season and this latest setback will be damaging.

He said: "It will take a while to get over. I'm disappointed because I didn't get a chance in those last three frames.

"It was a great match to be involved in and Peter played superbly at the end. He is a fighter who can beat the best of them.

"And I'm sure he will have a chance against Stephen Hendry."