CHRIS Melling has suffered what was literally a sickening defeat.

The Keighley ace, who celebrated his 36th birthday while he was in the far east, was beaten 13-12 by Mark Selby in the last 16 of the De Er Le Cup Chinese 8-ball World Championships in Shangrao City.

After the match, Melling tweeted: "Without a doubt the most devastating loss of my career. 13-12 to Mark Selby. Just thrown up in the toilet."

Melling was among several Britons to qualify from the group stages in the $298,161 (£198,097) tournament in the Jiangxi Province, including Daryl Peach and Bradford's Karl Boyes.

The in-form Melling won both his initial group matches 9-1, his second opponent missing a ball in the first frame and then not having another opportunity until he was 4-0 behind.

He then despatched Tom Ford 9-7 in a "high-standard game" before defeating Li He Wen 9-4 to reach the last 32.

There Melling beat Nikos Ekonomopolous 11-6 which earned him a clash against fellow World Tour snooker player Selby.