Published: October 10, 2006

LONDON Paul Hunter, a British snooker star whose good looks and celebrity lifestyle earned him the nickname "Beckham of the Baize," died of cancer at age 27.

Hunter, a three-time winner of the Wembley Masters tournament and a former World Championship semifinalist, died Monday night at a hospice in Huddersfield, northern England.

Hunter, of Leeds, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in March 2005. He attempted a comeback last season but won only one match and dropped from fifth to 34th in the world rankings.

His condition deteriorated and he was admitted to a hospice Friday.

Hunter turned professional in 1995 and reached the semifinals of the Welsh Open, knocking out seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry. He won the same event in 1998 for his first major title at age 19.

Hunter also won the Welsh title and British Open in 2002.

He will be best remembered for his wins at Wembley. He came from 7-3 down to beat Fergal O'Brien 10-9 in the 2001 final and fought from 5-0 down to defeat Mark Williams 10-9 in the final a year later. Hunter won his third Masters title in 2004, coming from 7-2 down to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-9.

Hunter's best World Championship performance was reaching the semifinals in 2003. He led Doherty 15-9 before the Irishman came back to win 17-16.

Hunter would have turned 28 on Saturday. He leaves a wife, Lindsey, and a 10-month-old daughter, Evie Rose.

"It's a very sad day, not only for snooker but also for the sporting world," former world champion Ken Doherty said.

"He had everything, the world at his feet, and it's such a shame. He had the looks. We called him the 'Beckham of the baize,' and he played up to it. He was one of our characters and a fantastic player who was magnanimous in defeat."

Associated Press