Peter Ebdon became the second former champion to lose in the first round at this year's snooker world championship after a 10-8 defeat by qualifier Ian McCulloch.

Ebdon, the 2002 winner, lost the last three frames to follow 1997 champion Ken Doherty out of the tournament.

"Against any top player, you just have to stick with them and keep putting them under pressure," said McCulloch. "As long as you stay strong and keep a clear head you have a chance."

Another former champion, John Higgins, came back from the brink to record a 10-9 win over Ryan Day in the first round.

Day, making his debut at the Crucible Theatre, looked set to cause the biggest shock of the tournament so far when he opened up a 9-7 lead.

But he missed a simple pink in the 17th frame to let Higgins in and the 1998 champion won the deciding frame with a 68 break.

Higgins was confident of winning throughout the match.

"I've never felt pressure like that before but I didn't think I was going to lose," he said.

"It was a draining game and I just felt like crying at the end."

Joe Perry held off a late comeback from Robert Milkins to set up a second round match against defending champion Mark Williams.

Perry looked to be heading for a comfortable victory when he established a 9-4 lead but Milkins won the next three frames to put the pressure on. Perry edged over the finishing line with a 53 break in the 17th frame to win 10-7.

Other result: B. Pinches bt J. White 10-8.