By Phil Harlow BBC Sport at the Crucible

King is preparing for a life away from snooker

The defeat condemned the 29-year-old to a season out of the top 16, meaning he would have to qualify for all the major tournaments.

And King claimed he would prefer to work on a building site than endure another year on the circuit.

"I've just had enough of the game," he said after his 10-5 defeat.

"I don't care what it is - labouring, anything."

It remains to be seen if King will follow through with his retirement plans after a long summer off, but if you're around Romford way keep an eye out for a waistcoat-clad workman with a peculiar interest in angles.

Peter Ebdon gave some of the credit for his 10-3 win over qualifier Gerard Greene to an unusual source - his contact lenses.

Ebdon's optician noticed a deterioration in the sight in the defending champion's left eye.

"I've been wearing stronger contact lenses recently and without them I probably wouldn't be in the top 16," said Ebdon, who is also colour blind.

"It makes a big difference when you can see!"

"My prescription has gone up a quarter in strength, but my left eye is my master eye so it was important to get the new lenses."

You too can be like Stephen Hendry

If you fancy following in the footsteps of Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis and Ronnie O'Sullivan, the Cue Zone (opposite The Crucible) is offering you the chance to have your photograph taken with the World Championship trophy.

For £5 you can lift the trophy above your head or do some kind of zany routine with the lid (just think of footballers celebrating with the FA Cup).

Of course, there is an alternative. Become very good at snooker, turn professional, qualify for the Embassy World Championship, beat another five top pros at The Crucible and you're there.

And that way, they give you £270,000 to lift it.