Ronnie O'Sullivan's eventful week at the Northern Ireland Open was brought to a halt by Yan Bingtao on Thursday.
The Rocket - beaten in the last three finals of the Belfast tournament - suffered a 4-3 defeat to Masters champion Yan.
The last-16 clash went to a deciding frame before Yan closed out the tie.
It was a disappointing end to the tournament for O'Sullivan, who voiced his frustration at spectators moving about during his match.
At one stage he was forced to ask a fan to "sit down" during a 129 break before adding that it was "too much".
The match referee then asked stewards to not let fans into the auditorium during play.
Yan will now play Mitchell Mann in the quarter-finals, leaving O'Sullivan to reflect on an eventful few days in Belfast.
The six-times World champion was critical of the Waterfront Hall's atmosphere following his first-round game with Andy Hicks, claiming he felt "very bored" during the 4-1 win.
Some viewed that as a slight on the Belfast crowd, but O'Sullivan moved to clarify his comments, insisting his frustration was aimed at the Waterfront Hall's set-up.
The 45-year-old said he would "never criticise any snooker fan", saying his supporters are "like family to me".
