The Beckham of the Baize
Revered by players in our sport, Paul Hunter was one of the best players that snooker has ever seen but whose life was sadly cut short by cancer. Paul was instantly recognisable for his good looks and flamboyant style, being the only player I have known to play who has managed to play with a hair band and pull it off successfully. Dubbed “ the Beckham of the Baize”, Hunter represented the flair and youth of sportsmen of the time and brought a refreshing sense of fashion to the table.
Best known for his three Masters’ titles, Paul made Wembley his home, taking every victory to the wire by winning the deciding frame and managed in his short career to compile 114 centuries and amass £1,535,730 in career prize money. He also managed to pull off a 146 break in the 2004 Premier League.
Hunter started his early career as a junior player, winning titles, most importantly the English Doubles Championship, being described as an “outstanding junior talent “.Taken under the wing of Joe Johnson, Paul often travelled to Bradford to practice with Joe.With such expert help, it wasn’t long before Hunter was able to turn professional at the tender age of 16. From this moment, Paul never looked back and was able to be the Master of the Masters, dominating the event between 2001-4. He also captured two Welsh Open titles.
Finding love with his wife Lindsey, Paul’s life and career looked like it was in a perfect but unfortunately tragedy was to strike in 2005 when Paul was found to have malignant tumours in his stomach. Having to undergo a gruelling course of chemotherapy, Hunter was briefly off the tour but World Snooker made the unusual decision to freeze his ranking place until he returned. When he did, Paul had problems with playing, losing the sensitivity in his hands and feet and having to rest between sessions. Despite this tragedy, Hunter became a proud father to Evie Rose in December, 2005.
Paul died in October, 2006 and was lamented by fans and players. His passing however has not been in vain. Despite losing his life at the age of 26, Hunter’s legacy has lived on. His family set up the Paul Hunter Foundation posthumously in his name to give disadvantaged and disabled young people, the opportunity to to be coached and play snooker .With a ranking tournament now in his name, the Paul Hunter Classic, held in Germany annually and a Sports Personality of the Year award in 2006, Paul’s memory is retained in snooker history and this unique talent will never be forgotten by myself or anyone in the snooker family.
https://youtu.be/UH9pIDiV33I
Best known for his three Masters’ titles, Paul made Wembley his home, taking every victory to the wire by winning the deciding frame and managed in his short career to compile 114 centuries and amass £1,535,730 in career prize money. He also managed to pull off a 146 break in the 2004 Premier League.
Hunter started his early career as a junior player, winning titles, most importantly the English Doubles Championship, being described as an “outstanding junior talent “.Taken under the wing of Joe Johnson, Paul often travelled to Bradford to practice with Joe.With such expert help, it wasn’t long before Hunter was able to turn professional at the tender age of 16. From this moment, Paul never looked back and was able to be the Master of the Masters, dominating the event between 2001-4. He also captured two Welsh Open titles.
Finding love with his wife Lindsey, Paul’s life and career looked like it was in a perfect but unfortunately tragedy was to strike in 2005 when Paul was found to have malignant tumours in his stomach. Having to undergo a gruelling course of chemotherapy, Hunter was briefly off the tour but World Snooker made the unusual decision to freeze his ranking place until he returned. When he did, Paul had problems with playing, losing the sensitivity in his hands and feet and having to rest between sessions. Despite this tragedy, Hunter became a proud father to Evie Rose in December, 2005.
Paul died in October, 2006 and was lamented by fans and players. His passing however has not been in vain. Despite losing his life at the age of 26, Hunter’s legacy has lived on. His family set up the Paul Hunter Foundation posthumously in his name to give disadvantaged and disabled young people, the opportunity to to be coached and play snooker .With a ranking tournament now in his name, the Paul Hunter Classic, held in Germany annually and a Sports Personality of the Year award in 2006, Paul’s memory is retained in snooker history and this unique talent will never be forgotten by myself or anyone in the snooker family.
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