PRESTON (England), Oct 10: World number five Paul Hunter returned to snooker on Sunday after battling cancer but suffered a 5-4 defeat to Rory McLeod at the British Grand Prix.

The 27-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in March and has undergone five cycles of chemotherapy and the disease is in remission.

He was given a rousing reception by the crowd at the Guild Hall and despite leading 3-1 in his first round match, he was unable to sustain the pressure and lost the best-of-nine encounter.—AFP