World Championship finalist Matthew Stevens crashed out of the Grand Prix on Saturday night following a shock defeat to Dave Harold.

The Welshman and world No.4 was beaten 5-4 by the experienced Harold, a player 41 places below him in the world rankings.

Stevens led 3-0, but Harold fought back at the Guild Hall to earn a second round showdown with David Gray, last year's UK Championship runner-up.

"Even at 4-2 down I was still confident I could win," said a jubilant Harold. "I chucked a frame away to go 4-2 down, but I was a little bit rusty and it took a bit of time to get going. It makes it all worthwhile when you win a match like this. All the hard work you put in is for something."

Harold struggled for 11 months having broken his wrist in a bizarre accident on New Year's Eve in 2003. But the Stoke potter is just glad to be back starring on the big stage.

"I didn't think my name was on this match because Matthew kept fluking safeties in the last frame," added Harold.

"I was about to write it off and look to improve next time, but Matthew took on a difficult shot to try and win the frame and luckily for me he missed it."

Peter Ebdon, the 1993 Grand Prix champion, fought back from 2-1 down to overcome Jimmy Michie. The world No.7 had breaks of 63, 89, 55 and 51, enough to earn a showdown with Barry Hawkins tomorrow. Hawkins beat Tony Drago 5-1 on Saturday.

Other results: Gunnell bt Parrott 5-3; Hicks bt Storey 5-3; Higgins bt Davies 5-1; Swail bt Carter 5-3; King bt Mann 5-1; Pinches bt Ford 5-2; Pettman bt Dott 5-2; McLeod bt Hunter 5-4; Davis bt Wilson 5-2; Morgan bt McManus 5-4.