Paul Hunter was an English snooker professional and three-time Masters champion who won multiple ranking titles and climbed as high as number four in the world rankings before his life and career were tragically cut short in 2006.
Paul Hunter – Career Snapshot
| Date of birth: | 14 October 1978 |
| From: | England |
| Turned professional: | 1995 |
| Highest world ranking: | No. 4 |
| Ranking titles: | 3 |
| World Championship titles: | 0 |
| Triple Crown titles: | 3 |
| Masters appearances: | 8 |
| Maximum 147 breaks: | 0 |
Paul Hunter’s Snooker Career
Paul Hunter turned professional in 1995 at the age of just 16, and he quickly established himself as one of the game’s best young talents. By the end of his first decade on the main tour, the Leeds potter had risen to number four in the world rankings.
Hunter was regularly tipped as a future world champion and a probable world number one, with his natural flair and popularity earning him the nickname Beckham of the Baize. He also produced several strong runs at the Crucible Theatre, coming within a frame of reaching the 2003 World Championship final when he lost a classic deciding-frame semi-final to Ken Doherty.
Alongside his talent, Hunter built a strong record in ranking events. He had an affinity with the Welsh Open, reaching the semi-finals during his debut season on the circuit before winning the title in 1998. Two years later he added a second Welsh Open crown and also captured the British Open in the same year.
But it was at the Masters where Hunter truly made his name and where his legacy has lived on most powerfully. Between 2001 and 2004, he triumphed at the prestigious invitational on three occasions, each time producing a remarkable comeback to prevail in a decider, with the famous Waterford Crystal trophy later named after him.
In 2005, Hunter revealed a diagnosis of a rare disease that required chemotherapy. During the 2005/06 season, he lost the flowing blonde hair that had become his trademark image and he was defeated in all but two of his matches during that campaign. Hunter subsequently took the 2006/07 term out for continued treatment. However, in October 2006, just a few days shy of his 28th birthday, he passed away, survived by his wife and baby daughter.
Hunter’s legacy was also reflected in the rebranding of a tournament he won in Fürth, which for years afterwards became known as the Paul Hunter Classic. As well as boasting enviable talent, he was a hugely well-liked figure who many believed was destined to rule the sport one day.
Paul Hunter’s Ranking Titles
Paul Hunter won 3 ranking titles during his professional career.
| Year | Tournament |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Welsh Open |
| 2002 | Welsh Open |
| 2002 | British Open |
Other Major Titles and Notable Wins
- The Masters (2001, 2002, 2004)
- Grand Prix Furth (2004)
Paul Hunter and the Triple Crown
Paul Hunter won three Triple Crown titles during his professional career, with all of them coming at the Masters.
- World Championship: 0 titles
- UK Championship: 0 titles
- Masters: 3 titles (2001, 2002, 2004)
SHQ Star Rating: ★★★★★
SnookerHQ uses a seven-point star scale based on the scoring values of snooker balls, with a black (7) representing the highest career classification. Ratings are assigned using career achievements, longevity, and historical impact.
Paul Hunter: ★★★★★
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Featured photo credit: WST