RAINHAM snooker star Gerard Greene bowed out of the European Open in Torquay last night after losing to world no 4 John Higgins.

Greene held a 4-3 lead before Higgins made a break of 65 in the eighth, the highest of the contest, to level at 4-4. Higgins then clinched the decider on the green.

Greene, who beat his hero Jimmy White in the first round, said: “I was always in front and had the better opportunities to win. I’m a bit sick but John is a tough player and got a bit of luck in the last.”

Greene will stay in Torquay to practice ahead of his final qualifying match for the Embassy World Championships against Anthony Hamilton on Wednesday.

He added: “They’ve got the tables set up down here in Torquay and a lot of the players will be coming down so I can play them and get some good practice.

“I'm playing OK but I feel I can improve. Saying that, with what I’ve achieved this week I don't see any reason why I can’t do well against Anthony next week.”