After 22 years, three titles and hundreds of memories Steve Davis played his final match at the Benson and Hedges Masters today.
The snooker legend, nicknamed 'the nugget' walked out of the Wembley Conference Centre arena for the last time tonight following his 6-2 defeat to John Higgins.
But while his involvement in the tournament came to an end after a 6-2 defeat Davis does not intend yet to bring the curtain down on his glittering career.
"I have taken some of Benson and Hedges' prize money and all their hospitality and enjoyed every minute of it," said the 45-year-old from Essex after his second round exit.
"It's been a great era of snooker," added Davis, whose first B&H appearance in 1981.
"In my heart I think this year could be the last time any of us plays at the Conference Centre.
"Venues can be synonymous with sponsors and if we happen to get a new sponsor for the Masters they might not want to stage it here.
"I would loved to have gone out on a higher note but I missed a few balls. And while I didn't make that many more mistakes than John, mine seemed to be a bit more costly.
"At least I know I'm playing some decent stuff again because for a few years it felt like an uphill struggle.
"I've certainly jumped up a division in the last few seasons," added Davis, on the verge of regaining his place in the world's top 16 next season after climbing to 12th on the provisional rankings.
That would normally guarantee his participation in the Masters rather than relying on a sponsor's wild card like this year.
But Davis will carry on cueing. "Fifty might be a natural time to stop-I don't know," he mused as Higgins qualified for a quarter-final on Friday afternoon against UK champion Mark Williams.
"It's fantastic how Steve has come back to near his best because a couple of years ago he looked to be on his way out," said Higgins of his vastly experienced opponent.
"He shows he has the desire and the hunger because he's still in there battling."
Despite the kind words Higgins only momentarily let slip after leading 3-0 with breaks of 41, 44, 50 and 43 before Davis rolled back the years with runs of 86 and 104.
Any hopes of a further recovery were quickly dashed as Higgins fired in 87 to go 4-2 up. Davis did his best to extend his Wembley career but lost two tactical frames to bow out of the competition.
However, his B&H involvement is not entirely finished. He will now resume his duties in front of the BBC cameras alongside John Parrott.
PA