Hunter focuses on cancer fight after exit

World number four Paul Hunter, who is battling colon cancer, vowed to return to the World Championship next year after losing to qualifier Michael Holt in the first round on Monday.

"I've been in shock because it's not every day you hear you've got cancer at the age of 26. Hopefully I'll be back here next year," he said after his 10-8 defeat.

Hunter, who decided to compete in the tournament after being diagnosed with the disease, was touched by the welcome he re-ceived from the Crucible crowd.

"When I came through the curtain yesterday, I was nearly crying," said the Briton.

"I was really pleased to be here because I didn't know if I was going to play. I'm just taking it one day at a time at the moment."

Hunter goes for a scan this week to see if his condition has worsened.

"Now I'm out of the World Championship, I can start my chemotherapy, which will take about three months," he added.

Fellow Englishman Holt, who was making his debut in the tournament, wished Hunter well in his battle with cancer.

"He's a great player and a great lad. I just wish him all the best now," he said.

Also on Monday, Shaun Murphy beat Chris Small 10-5 to record his first win at the Crucible.

Doherty comeback

Former champion Ken Doherty staged a stirring comeback from 5-3 down to beat Barry Pinches 10-5 in the first round.

Doherty struggled to find his form in the first session and was trailing by two frames.

But the gritty Irishman reeled off seven frames in a row in the evening to avoid a shock defeat by qualifier Pinches.

"In the morning session I was looking like I couldn't make 30 or 40," said Doherty. "In the evening, I was like a completely different player. The way I played was the old Ken Doherty and I haven't been like that for two years."

Today, Tony Drago plays the first session of his first-round match against Stephen Lee. The match will be completed tomorrow.

Other results: White bt O'Brien 10-5; Higgins bt Selby 10-5.