Bachelor favourite Ali Oetjen eliminated from dating competition in shock decision by Tim Robards

THE beauty everyone was backing to win the heart of Bachelor Tim Robards has been sent home from the competition after a shock elimination.

Rochelle and Anna are the final two in the Bachelor race, but who will take Tim home? Picture: Ten

SHE was the blonde beauty everyone was backing to win the heart of Bachelor Tim Robards, but Ali Oetjen has been sent packing after a shock elimination tonight.

This leaves just two bachelorettes from the original 25, Rochelle and Anna, to duel it out over the Sydney chiropractor.

"I am so sorry that I have to say goodbye. I am incredibly lucky that I have been able to experience this with you and I will miss you," Robards told a devastated Ali, taking her aside after the rose ceremony.

Despite her broken heart, the real estate agent from Adelaide comforted a clearly shaken Robards and professed her love for him all over again.

"I would never for one second take back any moment that we spent together and I don't regret that I love you and that I told you that I love you. I mean it," she said.

The 27-year-old has been a favourite of Robards' from early in the series and the rival frontrunners were all vocal in naming her as their main competition.

Likewise, viewers assumed she was a shoo-in to win after injuring herself and being rushed to hospital a few weeks ago, drawing the pair even closer.

Tim visited Ali's home in Adelaide during last week's episode. Picture: Network Ten

Ali even took Tim home to Adelaide during last week's episode and told her parents she would marry him in a heartbeat if he popped the question.

Now, only one week out from making his final decision, we've been completely thrown - will he choose Anna, the smart and sweet criminal lawyer from Sydney, or dark horse Rochelle, who has only just started to show her true emotions?

Rochelle and Anna are the final two in the Bachelor race, but who will take Tim home? Picture: Ten