GERARD Greene has won a gold medal at a prestigious tournament in Germany.

The snooker player, from Rainham, defeated Chinese player Ding Junhui 4-3 in the final of the World Games staged in Bottrop.

A dramatic contest began with Greene taking an early advantage before his rival rallied to lead 3-1.

But to Greene’s relief Junhui missed a straightforward black from the spot and the former British Open quarter-finalist powered back to square the match at 3-3.

A tense final frame followed as both players blew chances before Greene held his nerve to pot a difficult green and take the match.

Greene’s career highlight came two years ago when he knocked former world champion Ken Doherty out of the British Open in what he called his "best perfromance as a professional".

A quarter-final clash saw Greene push world No.1 Ronnie O’Sullivan to the wire before succumbing 5-4.

The success in Germany could signal a return to form for Greene, who plummeted down the rankings after a disappointing start to the 2004-5 season. He puts it down to a broken cue and a lack of confidence.

"I feel I am playing well now. I played Steve Davis earlier this year and should have won. He got a bit of luck but then he usually does." said Greene.

Greene, who competes for Northern Ireland by virtue of his Belfast-born parents, said that the medal presentation held more nerves for him than the match itself.

"I was a bit nervous going up there to get the medal as I haven’t done that type of thing before.

"Going into the match I was pretty calm, but the cloth conditions were slow. We’re used to playing on faster cloths so manoeuvring the white ball was difficult.

"I was surprised when he missed a black off the spot as the pockets are pretty generous."

Greene will begin Grand Prix qualifying action in September and October and is trying to secure his entry into an invitation-only tournament in Northern Ireland where he is one of the top ranked players.