Gerard Greene says Covid-19 is ruining snooker and fears behind closed doors matches are hampering his progress.

The Rainham-based player was on the receiving end of a Judd Trump onslaught in his first round match at the Northern Ireland Open, an event being held in Milton Keynes as the sport continues to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic.

World No.74 Greene resents the ‘non-existent’ atmosphere and reckons the lack of fans may explain his miserable run of four consecutive ranking event defeats.

“It’s a struggle at the moment and I’ve just got no confidence whatsoever,” said Greene, 47.

“It’s a bit of a pain – I’m not saying I enjoy playing in front of a thousand people, but I do enjoy playing in front of people.

“The atmosphere is just non-existent – you don’t really know what tournament you’re playing in. There’s no advertising or buzz around the venue.

“It is a bit negative and boring but there’s nothing else we can do about it – it’s just the way it is, Covid ruining the game.

“There’s always a little buzz and players like sitting round and having a chat. Now we’ve got to wear a mask and it’s not good. But there’s nothing we can do about it and we’ve just got to deal with it.”

Greene took a 1-0 lead against Trump after a fluent break of 75 but the world No.1, fresh off the back of his English Open triumph at the same venue last month, levelled in a scrappy second frame.

And the 2019 world champion then rattled off visits of 105, 55 and 88 to floor the Kent player and extend his run of defeats.

Greene will now turn his attention to the UK Championship – one of snooker’s Triple Crown events – which is also being held at Milton Keynes’ Marshall Arena.

There was nothing he could do against Trump but hopes hitting the practice table can fire him to victory against world No.57 Daniel Wells.

“It’s always going to be a tough game – he’s world No.1 and the best player on the planet at the moment,” he added.

“I felt alright but you can’t stop him potting, unfortunately! I wish you could – there’s not really a lot I could do about that.

“I’ll be back at the practice table tomorrow – my practice game is going alright and I feel good when I go into the matches.

“I just need a couple of wins and they better come soon.”

Watch the Northern Ireland Open live on Eurosport, Eurosport app, and stream on discovery

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