Paul Hunter

Paul Alan Hunter (14 October 1978 – 9 October 2006) was an English professional snooker player. He achieved success in his career with three Masters championships in 2001, 2002, and 2004, where he made impressive comebacks to win all three finals with a score of 10-9. Additionally, Hunter won three ranking events, including the Welsh Open in 1998 and 2002, and the 2002 British Open. In March 2005, he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors, but continued to compete for several months. Hunter passed away shortly before his 28th birthday. He was a remarkable break-builder, with 114 century breaks, including a high score of 146 in the 2004 Premier League. As a tribute to his memory, the Paul Hunter Classic tournament in Fürth, Germany was named in his honor, and the Masters trophy was renamed the Paul Hunter Trophy in April 2016.