Paul Hunter (snooker player)
| Born |
14 October 1978 Leeds, Yorkshire |
|---|---|
| Died | 9 October 2006 (aged 27) Huddersfield |
| Sport country |
 England
|
| Nickname |
|
| Professional | 1995–2006 |
| Highest ranking | 4 (2004/2005) |
| Career winnings | UK£1,535,730 |
| Highest break | 146 (2004 Premier League) |
| Century breaks | 114 |
| Tournament wins | |
| Ranking | 3 |
| Non-ranking | 3 |
Paul Alan Hunter (14 October 1978 – 9 October 2006) was a British professional snooker player. His media profile developed swiftly and he became known as the "Beckham of the Baize" because of his good looks and flamboyant style.
Hunter was a three-time Masters Champion, winning the title on the deciding frame on all three occasions. Hunter compiled 114 competitive century breaks in the course of his professional career, including a personal record break of 146 compiled at the 2004 Premier League. Hunter also won three ranking titles, the British Open and the Welsh Open (twice).
In March 2005 Hunter was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumours. He died shortly before his 28th birthday in October 2006. In 2016, the Masters trophy was renamed in his honour.
Hunter was born in Leeds in 1978 and was educated at St Andrews Primary School and Cardinal Heenan High School. At the age of 9 he was awarded best junior snooker player of the year. With some encouragement from friends and family, he spent many hours practising snooker. He often travelled to Bradford to practise alongside Joe Johnson.
At the age of 12 Hunter was considered an "outstanding junior talent". He won many junior tournaments and at the age of 14 won the English Doubles Championship with Richard Brooke. With the help of former professional snooker players Jimmy Michie and Joe Johnson, Hunter made his debut among the professionals in July 1995 at the age of 16.
Four months after his professional debut, Hunter reached the second round of the 1995 UK Championship by defeating world number six Alan McManus 9–4. He followed up that achievement by becoming the youngest player to reach the last four of a ranking event when he reached the semi-finals of the 1996 Welsh Open at the age of 17 years and three months, defeating Stephen Hendry on the way.
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