Paul Hunter, who died at age 27 in 2006, had almost become a symbol of The Masters tournament in recent years. Hunter lifted the Masters trophy in 2001, 2002 and 2004 and was on top of his career when it was abruptly ended.

He provided the spectators with great excitement as in all finals he came back after having trailed, winning 10-9. A lot of fans and other players were convinced that he would soon win the World Championship. But the battle against cancer became too hard.

A few months after Paul Hunter’s death, Jimmy White, who survived testicular cancer in 1995, suggested the Masters trophy should be renamed after Hunter. His widow, Lindsey Hunter expressed her approval for the trophy to be named the Paul Hunter Trophy.

However, World Snooker thought differently and decided against it. Instead the 2007 German Open pro-am was given the name Paul Hunter Classic. A scholarship with Hunter’s name on it was also created with the motivation that it was a more fitting tribute. The aim of the scholarship is to help a talented young player aged between 16 and 21 get elite training at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield to accomplish his goals. Saga Insurance, the sponsor of The Masters, helped with the funding. They donated 50 pounds to the scholarship for every break over 50 points at The Masters.

The Paul Hunter Foundation was also set up by Lindsey in the memory of her husband. It will provide disabled and disadvantaged children with a chance to play snooker. The Newcomer of the Year award that is administered by the Snooker Writer’s Association was also renamed in honour of Hunter.

Hunter was one of the most loved players on the professional tour. He was one of the players who was most responsible for the great popularity of The Masters tournament. Hunter had his whole life ahead of him but sadly we will never know how far he could really go. Hopefully a recipient of the Paul Hunter Scholarship will soon pass on his legacy in The Masters.