Snooker champ Paul Hunter dies of cancer

SINGAPORE: Paul Hunter, the British snooker player dubbed "the Beckham of the baize", died after an 18-month battle with cancer late on Monday. He was 27.   

The three-time Masters champion is survived by a wife and daughter, the sport's governing body World Snooker said.   

"Paul was a man who had everything going for him, an outstanding talent, good looks, fame, riches, charm and a beautiful wife," World Snooker Chairman Rodney Walker said on the governing body's website.   

"This shows us just how quickly life can change. It's a bitter blow for snooker but most importantly for his family and our thoughts are with them."