Downbeat Trowbridge snooker star Stephen Lee revealed he could quit the sport within the next few years after crashing out of the World Championships at the first hurdle on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old lost 10-4 to dark horse Ryan Day in an error-strewn display at The Crucible.

Afterwards Lee conceded he was well beaten and hinted he could soon take an early retirement from the game.

“He looked the better player throughout the day and came out on top, he’s a good front-runner,” said Lee.

“It’s been an up-and-down season. I played a really good match against Judd Trump to get here but I went to China and played rubbish and I’ve come here and played rubbish.

“I’ve just got to work hard. I still enjoy playing it but I don't think I’ll be getting to 45, 50, like Steve Davis and Jimmy White.”

Day’s top break was an immaculate 120 in the eighth frame, which would have been a total clearance but for the black staying out.

Former world number five Lee’s poor display was typified at 7-3 down when he potted the green from a dire break in the 11th frame. Lee, who has slipped outside the top 20 in the rankings, had his shot at glory at 8-4 down when he potted six reds and blacks at the outset of the 13th frame.

He only had eyes for a maximum 147, which would have secured him up to £157,000 in prize money, but an attempted double on the next red failed to find the pocket.

Then with three balls remaining in the same frame he only needed to pot the blue and pink to win the frame and make it 8-5.

However while potting the blue the white ball went in, allowing Day to take the frame and a massive 9-4 lead in the match.

The Welshman then went on to win a slow-paced 14th frame to seal victory.

Day will now face Peter Ebdon’s conqueror Nigel Bond in a second-round match today.

For Lee it is a case of going back to the drawing board before the next world ranking event, the Northern Ireland Trophy, in August.

“I’m going to try and play hide and seek with my cue I think,” he said.

“I’m going to try and hide it in the house or get the kids to hide it for me and see if turns up for August.”

Day, who reached the quarter-finals last year, felt both players found it had been a hard game.

“It was a bit of a struggle,” he said.

“I don't think either of us played at the top of our game.

“But I felt I hit the ball OK in patches and I’m obviously pleased with a win.

“I didn't feel nervy. I got off to a good start, and if you can build a bit of a cushion and maintain the lead, keep the pressure on, it’s a handy position to be in.

“I felt a few butterflies before going out but nerves affect everybody, it’s how you deal with it.”