Defending champion Mark Williams refused to make excuses for his shock World Championship defeat at the hands of Joe Perry.

The world number one lost 13-11 to Perry after threatening to score a famous comeback win.

Eight days ago Williams became a father for the first time, disrupting the preparations for his title defence.

But the sporting Welshman admitted after losing his grip on the trophy: "Joe played better than me and he held his nerve superbly in the last three frames.

"I thought I had a good chance of winning when I went in front at 11-10 but he responded really well when the pressure was on.

"That was the most pressure he's probably ever been under and he was a worthy winner.

"Of course I'd rather still be in the tournament but I have have got plenty to look forward to when I get home - apart from the dirty nappies.

"Connor has been sleeping quite well apparently but that will probably change when I get home."

Williams looked down and out when he resumed the final session 10-6 behind. However, he was determined not to go out without a fight.

And when he reeled off five unanswered frames Perry's chances of reaching The Crucible quarter-finals for the first time looked slim.

Instead, with the weight of expectancy removed from his shoulders, the world number 16 from Chatteris found a new lease of life.

He drew level at 11-11 with a break of 55 and then allowed Williams just six points in the closing two frames.

Runs of 53 and a closing 82 sent sparkling Perry into a last-eight meeting with Paul Hunter or Matthew Stevens.

"If I have beaten the world champion and world number one then people will think I should beat anyone," said the 29-year-old former European and China Open runner-up.

"And I've known that myself for years. This win will certainly give me a lot more self belief and confidence.

"I felt good this morning at breakfast. But as soon as MC Alan Hughes called out my name, it hit me like a brick wall. I couldn't pot a ball.

"However, when I went 11-10 down the pressure transferred itself to Mark. And I'm really proud of the way I came through it in the end.

"But it's a massive win for me. I know Mark didn't play that well but I still had to win the match."

Perry's victory is worth a guaranteed £31,000 - easily the highest pay-day of his 13-year professional career.

And there could be another £17,600 coming his way if no-one improves his fifth-frame 145 clearance.