GWENT'S former Embassy World Championship semi-finalist Darren Morgan, pictured, has announced his intention to retire after failing to qualify for this year's event.

The 36-year-old was beaten 10-5 by Shaun Murphy in the fourth qualifying round in Blackpool last night.

Morgan, born in Cwmfelinfach and now living in Fleur-de-Lys, said he would give the game up now if he was guaranteed the same income from another job.

The ex-World Amateur champion reached the last four at the Crucible in 1994 but has insisted he would pack his cue away for good if he dropped out of the world's top 64.

"I don't enjoy under-performing and although I love the game dearly, I don't want to carry on like this," said Morgan, once eighth in the world rankings.

"I was spoiled for seven or eight years when I was in the top 16, playing at all the venues.

"I'm a proud Welshman and I'm proud of my game. If I'm out of the top 64, I'll only be guaranteed £1,200 next season with £2,000 entry fees to pay.

"I can't see much point because I wouldn't enjoy it."