However, he reclaimed his place a year later, and by qualifying for the 2007 World Championship he ensured that he remained there for a third year in succession, despite losing 10-7 to Peter Ebdon.
However, he reclaimed his place a year later, and he has remained there ever since as of 2009. In the 2007 World Championship he lost in the first round, 10-7 to Peter Ebdon.