Wilson claimed the World Championship title in 2024 and was anticipated to progress far in this year’s UK Championship as the world number two.

The two English players contested a close first round where Slessor built a 4-2 advantage before Wilson leveled it at 4-4.

Although he made breaks of 104 and 91 in consecutive frames, the world number two couldn’t secure the victory, with Slessor winning the last two frames to reach the quarter-finals.

"Where do I even begin?" Wilson told TNT Sports.

"It’s just tough. I wanted to disappear. I didn’t want to return after the break.

"The moment I missed the pink, I realized it was impossible for me. When you lose trust in your equipment and the table plays so difficult.

"I simply didn’t want to be out there.

"I wanted to shake his (Slessor’s) hand and leave, but fans pay good money to watch me play snooker. I fought hard and gave everything, but it wasn’t enough."

In other matches during the evening session, Barry Hawkins secured a 6-4 victory against David Lilley to move on to the next round.

He is set to meet Slessor in the quarter-finals on Thursday night.