Greene has lost in the first round at the Crucible four times.

Kent-based snooker player Gerard Greene was pleased with his performance at the World Championship despite being beaten in the first round by Shaun Murphy.

The 36-year-old was 8-1 down after the first session, but fought back to win five frames in a row before losing to the 2005 champion 10-7.

"In the first session I was a but nervous," Greene told BBC Radio Kent.

"I got a few frames on the board and I did think the comeback was on but then I helped him out again in the reds."

Greene added: "Once Shaun's in the balls, he plays really well. He's got a nice cue action.

"He doesn't really twitch a lot and once his hands are on the table he's going to score heavily."

Greene has now qualified for the World Championship four times without winning a match at the Crucible, although he has twice been drawn against the defending champion - John Higgins in 1999 and Peter Ebdon in 2003.

He also qualified in 2005 but lost 10-9 to Steve Davis.

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