Snooker star Paul Hunter loses cancer battle
Paul Hunter has died aged 27 following an 18-month battle with cancer
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Tuesday, 10, Oct 2006 10:49
Paul Hunter, the snooker player dubbed the 'David Beckham of the baize', has died aged 27 following an 18-month battle with cancer.
The Leeds-born star was diagnosed in March 2005 with neuro-endocrine tumours, a rare form of cancer, and although he was thought to be recovering after several courses of chemotherapy, he passed away at 20:20 BST last night at Kirkwood hospice in Huddersfield.
A three-time Masters champion, Hunter was unanimously popular on tour and was widely credited with helping snooker reach a new, more glamorous audience after bursting on to the scene in 2001 by dramatically beating Fergal O'Brien to win his first final at Wembley.
After his diagnosis, Hunter bravely continued to play through the pain before he announced in July this year his desire to take a break from the game to receive more treatment. A unique precedent saw his world ranking of 34th subsequently frozen by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
Sir Rodney Walker, chairman of World Snooker, the sport's governing body, led the tributes to Hunter describing his passing as "a bitter blow for snooker but most importantly for his family and our thoughts are with them".
He added: "I'm sure that everyone who met Paul, as well as his millions of fans and the sporting public as a whole, will join me in sending most sincere sympathies to Lindsey, Paul's parents, his family and friends.
"Paul was a man who had everything going for him - an outstanding talent, good looks, fame, riches, charm and a beautiful wife. This shows us just how quickly life can change."
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry added: "I'm absolutely devastated by the news. He's got a young family and he had a fantastic future in front of him. It's everyone's worst nightmare and puts everything into perspective."
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, another former world champion John Parrott said: "Paul certainly brought a touch of glamour to the game - they called him the 'Beckham of the baize'.
"He was a happy-go-lucky man, always played with a smile on his face and never had a bad word to say about anyone. And his performances at Wembley were fantastic. To win three titles was tremendous."
Hunter leaves behind wife Lindsey and daughter Evie Rose, who was born on Boxing Day last year.