By Phil Harlow BBC Sport at The Crucible

Brave Hunter knocked out

Paul Hunter said the reaction of The Crucible crowd and his fellow players had given him a huge boost as he starts his fight against cancer.

Hunter receives the results of tests later this week and will begin a three-month course of chemotherapy.

"There was a fantastic atmosphere - when I came through the curtain on Sunday, I was nearly crying," Hunter told BBC Sport.

"I felt the same when Fergal O'Brien and Jimmy White were clapping me."

Hunter has been the focus of attention in Sheffield after last week's news of his diagnosis with cancer.

I would play on my death bed, that's the kind of person I am Paul Hunter

The three-time Masters champion received a standing ovation from the crowd after deciding to play at The Crucible and did himself proud with a battling display under hugely difficult circumstances.

"I'm really pleased just to be here - I didn't know if I was going to play or not but that just made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up," said Hunter.

"I've just been in shock, it's not every day you find out you've got cancer at the age of 26.

It was a brave performance and I wish him well for a speedy recovery From RF Have your say on 606

"I was going to drop out of (previous tournament) China Open but I really wanted to play there. I would play on my death bed, that's the kind of person I am.

"I'm just taking one day at a time. I want to thank all my fans for their messages of support and I'll be back here next year fighting."