Paul Hunter: snooker's lost great remembered 20 years on

Twenty years after his death, Paul Hunter is remembered as one of snooker's most gifted and popular players, a three-time Masters champion whose short career left a lasting legacy on the sport. Hunter took to snooker aged three and, after early coaching from 1986 world champion Joe Johnson, practised relentlessly at local clubs in Leeds.

He and fellow youngster Matthew Stevens formed a close friendship while honing their games. His parents took him out of school at 14 to focus on snooker. Within five years he had won his first ranking title, the 1998 Welsh Open, and by 1999 he had entered the world top 16. Hunter won The Masters in 2001, 2002 and 2004, and collected six major trophies in six years.

His good looks, charm and honest interview style made him a poster figure for the sport, earning him the nickname "Beckham of the Baize." Off the table he was known for being down to earth and polite, even in defeat; family and friends recall his cheeky humour and warmth toward others.

In 2005 Hunter was diagnosed with cancer but continued to fulfil commitments and even played at the World Championships at the Crucible, receiving a standing ovation. He donated money to buy soft-play toys for children at the Leeds Cancer Centre where he was treated. Hunter died in October 2006, days short of his 28th birthday.

Key Topics

Sports, United States, Snooker, Paul Hunter, The Masters, Charity, Legacy