KSorian
10-10-06, 20:53
Warm tributes have been paid to the "Beckham of the baize" - snooker star Paul Hunter who has died after losing his battle with cancer. Former world champion Ken Doherty said the 27-year-old "had the world at his feet" and his death was a great loss.
Leeds-born Hunter, who was known for his looks and charm as well as his talent, leaves a wife, Lindsey, and baby daughter, Evie Rose.
The three-times Masters champion was diagnosed with dozens of tumours in his stomach lining in March last year.
Despite chemotherapy treatment, he continued to play, earning widespread admiration for his courage and determination.
At the week-end he was taken to the Kirkwood Hospice in Huddersfield where he died yesterday. He would have been 28 on Saturday.
Doherty said: "It's a very sad day, not only for the snooker world but also for the sporting world.
"We've lost a great character, a great champion and certainly a great friend."
Ex-professional Willie Thorne said Hunter would have become world champion one day.
"He lit up the stage when he played. He was a very flamboyant player."
Hunter turned professional at the age of 16 and won his first major title three years later - the 1998 Welsh Open.
Four years later he captured the Welsh title again as well as the British Open trophy.
However, snooker fans will remember him for his exploits at the Wembley Masters.
He won all three titles in dramatic fashion after recovering from poor starts - against Fergal O'Brien, Mark Williams and Ronnie O'Sullivan.
He reached the semi-finals of the World Championship in 2003, where he led Doherty 15-9 before the Irishman stormed back to win 17-16.
Taken from http://uk.news.yahoo.com/10102006/140/tributes-pour-snooker-star.html
Leeds-born Hunter, who was known for his looks and charm as well as his talent, leaves a wife, Lindsey, and baby daughter, Evie Rose.
The three-times Masters champion was diagnosed with dozens of tumours in his stomach lining in March last year.
Despite chemotherapy treatment, he continued to play, earning widespread admiration for his courage and determination.
At the week-end he was taken to the Kirkwood Hospice in Huddersfield where he died yesterday. He would have been 28 on Saturday.
Doherty said: "It's a very sad day, not only for the snooker world but also for the sporting world.
"We've lost a great character, a great champion and certainly a great friend."
Ex-professional Willie Thorne said Hunter would have become world champion one day.
"He lit up the stage when he played. He was a very flamboyant player."
Hunter turned professional at the age of 16 and won his first major title three years later - the 1998 Welsh Open.
Four years later he captured the Welsh title again as well as the British Open trophy.
However, snooker fans will remember him for his exploits at the Wembley Masters.
He won all three titles in dramatic fashion after recovering from poor starts - against Fergal O'Brien, Mark Williams and Ronnie O'Sullivan.
He reached the semi-finals of the World Championship in 2003, where he led Doherty 15-9 before the Irishman stormed back to win 17-16.
Taken from http://uk.news.yahoo.com/10102006/140/tributes-pour-snooker-star.html