JOE PERRY suffered a shock 5-4 first-round defeat to outsider David Gilbert in the Welsh Open at the Newport Centre on Tuesday. Gilbert, 27, ranked at world No. 43, has been in the best form of his career, beating home favorite Mark Williams 5-1 in qualif

JOE PERRY suffered a shock 5-4 first-round defeat to outsider David Gilbert in the Welsh Open at the Newport Centre on Tuesday.

Gilbert, 27, ranked at world No. 43, has been in the best form of his career, beating home favorite Mark Williams 5-1 in qualifying.

World No.12 Perry said: "I missed a couple of balls and he punished me. He was obviously on a high from beating Mark Williams and he played very well.

"David Gilbert's not a household name but he's a good, solid player."

Perry's next match will be in the China Open next month.