Gould encouraged despite Crucible exit

Martin Gould felt he did not do a great deal wrong after losing a high-quality match against Marco Fu in the first round of the World Snooker Championship.

The Pinner man trailed 6-3 overnight but kept pace with the world number seven in a gritty display before losing 10-7.

Gould, 32, said: “I haven’t done an awful lot wrong and Marco has played fantastic so I take my hat off to him and wish him all the best.

“I think I played a good part in a very, very good game. We were free-flowing and heavy scoring.

“He came out of the traps very quickly and did not give me a chance.”

And world number 36 Gould was encouraged by his efforts in the latter part of the season.

Gould, who was in fine form as he progressed through three qualifying rounds to secure his place at snooker’s showpiece event in Sheffield, said: “The beginning part and middle of the season were garbage.

“But the end was very good and very promising and I cannot wait for the new season to begin.

“You learn from your mistakes and come back stronger. I will come back fighting next time.”

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