Stevens has dropped out of the elite group after a poor season

Matthew Stevens crashed out in the first round of the Northern Ireland Trophy in Belfast on the opening day of snooker's first event of the season.

The twice World Championship finalist, who has slipped outside the top 16, was beaten 5-2 by Scot Alan McManus.

Mark Williams, another Welshman, fought back from a 3-1 deficit to beat Scotland's Marcus Campbell 5-3.

"I just managed to stick in there and, when I was in amongst the balls, I didn't miss much," Williams said.

The two-time world champion, who starts the season ranked 22, will face world number three Shaun Murphy in the next round.

Other winners on day one were Ian McCulloch, who edged past fellow Englishman Mike Dunn 5-4, and Dave Harold, who eased to a 5-2 victory against Ricky Walden in another all-English clash.

Stephen Lee, who also starts the season outside the top 16 at number 26, made a positive start with a 5-3 victory over the emerging Judd Trump.

But Steve Davis saw his tournament ended by China's Liang Wenbo, who was a 5-3 winner, while England's Dave Gilbert defeated Michael Judge of the Republic of Ireland 5-4.