Australia's Robertson overcomes stricken Hunter

Australian qualifier Neil Robertson beat world number six Paul Hunter 10-5 to go through to the second round of the world snooker championship at the Crucible Theatre on Monday night.

Hunter, who has cancer of the colon, revealed afterwards that he came close to pulling out of the tournament on the eve of the match.

"I was in a pretty bad way yesterday (Sunday)," he said. "I've been feeling sick and light-headed and the pain in my side is pretty much 24/7.

"It has been tough this season because I've been playing when I've been ill. I suppose I'll be back next year to try and get back where I should be."

Hunter, who was diagnosed with the disease before last year's tournament, is due to start a 16-week course of chemotherapy today. "I'm probably worse than I was last year," he added.

Robertson said: "I just wanted to win - I didn't care how. I had to block out any emotions and it was extremely difficult. He's a really nice guy and obviously everyone just wishes him well."

Robertson, who will now face world number 11 Stephen Lee, believes he has a good chance of making further progress. "If I play as well as I can, I don't fear anyone," he said.

The 1997 champion Ken Doherty secured a comfortable passage through to the second round, beating Crucible debutant Barry Hawkins 10-1.

Irishman Doherty said: "It was a workmanlike performance but I'm very pleased because it was the toughest draw of the round on paper."

Stephen Maguire beat Mark King 10-6. Last year's losing finalist Matthew Stevens booked his place in the second round with a comfortable 10-5 win over Joe Swail.

Other results: M. Williams (Wales) beat A. Hamilton (England) 10-1; R. O'Sullivan (England) leads D. Harold (England) 7-2.