Joe Perry says his run to the semi-finals of the World Championship is proof that there is plenty of quality outside of the game's more popular stars.

Perry pulled off a stunning 13-12 quarter-final win over in-form world number three Stephen Maguire, who many tipped to win the tournament, before he lost 17-15 in a sensational semi-final against Ali Carter.

And although the defeat was tough to take for the 33-year-old, Perry says it has given him the self-belief to push on next season.

"It's always disappointing to lose any match but losing in the semi-final of the World Championships is really tough to take," Perry told the Cambs Times. "I've been trying not to think about it.

"But I've definitely gained some self belief, particularly by beating Stephen Maguire. He's been in great form and people saw him as the only man out there who could beat Ronnie O'Sullivan.

"Beating Stephen put a few things to bed for me, and got some monkeys off my back. I play in a lot of tournaments that people don't know about and we only get a couple of chances to show everybody what we're about.

"Some people just think about the top few players in the world. But with myself and Ali Carter reaching the semi-final, it just shows that there are several talented players out there."

Perry's run to the last four at the Crucible means he will begin next season in his highest-ever provisional ranking of 12th.

Alex Sharratt / Eurosport