GERARD GREENE is aiming to put 2004’s woes behind him and move back up the world rankings this year.

The Rainham snooker star began the season ranked 26th in the world but his provisional ranking has dropped to 44th after a disastrous start to the campaign.

He lost in the first round of the Grand Prix, the British Open and the UK Championships in October and November last year.

A broken cue five days before the start of the season didn’t help his cause, but Greene believes his problems are now behind him.

The 31-year-old, in his 12th year as a professional, said: "I’ve had some problems but it’s a new year now and want to put them all behind me.

"I ended last season badly and have lost in the first round of every event this season so far. I haven’t played that badly but not played anywhere near to the best of my ability.

"I just need to get a victory under my belt to help get some confidence back."

Greene has been practising on his own at the Serious Snooker Club in Maidstone to try and regain his form ahead of the upcoming events.

First up is the qualifying for the Irish Masters at Prestatyn in mid-January followed by the Welsh Open at Newport.

Greene added: "Hopefully I can start winning some games and raise my world ranking up a bit."