10/10/2006

Snooker star loses cancer battle

Snooker player Paul Hunter has died from cancer at the age of 27.

The three-times Masters champion was diagnosed with dozens of tumours on the lining of his stomach last March.

He had continued to play professionally while receiving chemotherapy treatment.

He was admitted to the Kirkwood Hospice in Huddersfield at the weekend and died on Monday evening.

The player had been due to celebrate his 28th birthday this Saturday. He leaves a wife, Lindsey, and a baby daughter, Evie Rose.

A number of stars from the world of snooker have paid tribute to Hunter.

Former snooker world champion Ken Doherty said it was a "very sad day" and described Hunter as a "great character" and a "great champion", while former professional player and BBC commentator Willie Thorne described him as a "flamboyant player."

Hunter turned professional at the age of 16, winning his first major title - the 1998 Welsh Open - just three years later.

He won the Welsh title again in 2002, the same year in which he won the British Open trophy.

However, it was Hunter's performance in the Wembley Masters which will be remembered by snooker fans. He came from behind in three successive finals - beating Fergal O'Brien, Mark Williams and Ronnie O'Sullivan - to win the title each time.

He also competed in the 2003 World Championships, where he was defeated by Ken Doherty in the semi-finals.

(KMcA/EF)

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