Paul Hunter was ‘David Beckham of snooker’ before death and Ronnie O’Sullivan loved him

Paul Hunter, who won three titles in the space of four years, was known as snooker’s own version of and was keenly admired by the likes of .Hunter was dubbed the Beckham of the Baize during his playing days and left a lasting legacy following his death in 2006. A decade after his passing, the Masters trophy was aptly renamed the Paul Hunter Trophy as a fitting tribute.The man from Leeds was a force to be reckoned with at the peak of his powers, winning the Masters in 2001, 2002 and 2004. On each occasion, he came from behind to clinch the title on a deciding frame.In 2005, he was diagnosed with dozens of neuroendocrine tumours on the lining of his stomach but continued to play regardless. He lost his battle with cancer a year later at the age of 27, tragically leaving behind a young family.

Hunter was known for his flamboyant style and good looks, which made him a household name during the early 2000s. O’Sullivan was among those who admired him despite losing to him in the Masters final two years before his death.Ahead of this year’s Masters, O’Sullivan paid a touching tribute to Hunter in an interview with . He said: “Paul was an unbelievable talent, he definitely had that star power and transcended the game.”He was the Beckham of the snooker, wasn’t he? He was a good-looking boy. He always had a smile on his face and was a good lad. He was brilliant for the game. He was a lovely lad and had a lovely family.”I had some good times and some good memories with Paul. He will never be forgotten. All the players loved him. He will always be in the hearts of the snooker players and everybody who knew him.”

Hunter turned professional at the age of 16 in 1995 and won his first major title, the Welsh Open, three years later. He won it again in 2002 and picked up the British Open trophy the same year.He never won the but came close in 2003, when he squandered a huge lead over Ken Doherty in the semi-finals.Doherty labelled him one of the sport’s biggest characters following his death, telling the : “We’ve lost a great character, champion and a great friend. It’s a shocking loss. He had everything, the world at his feet, and it’s such a shame.”He was one of our characters and a fantastic player. Words can’t explain what his family must be going through and they are all in our minds and our prayers.”Anyone who wins the Masters back-to-back is a great player. Paul Hunter was a great player and I’m sure that he would have been a future world champion, without a doubt.”