WE'LL NEVER FORGET PAUL....ALL THE PLAYERS LOVED HIM

Ronnie pays tribute to Masters hat-trick champion Hunter, still so sorely missed 18 years after his tragic death at 27

- SHANE MacDERMOTT

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has paid tribute to the late Paul Hunter on the 20-year anniversary of his third and final Masters triumph.

Hunter, who died of cancer aged just 27 in 2006, famously won three Masters titles in four years between 2001-2004.

The hat-trick of memorable wins at snooker's most illustrious invitational event all came in dramatic 10-9 deciders, with the Rocket the beaten finalist in the 2004 showpiece dubbed the 'Battle of the Hair Styles.

Hunter was nicknamed the 'Beckham of the Baize' for his golden locks and charismatic personality and has been sorely missed since his tragic passing 18 years ago. The famous Waterford crystal Masters trophy was named in Hunter's honour in 2017. And world No.1 O'Sullivan, who begins his bid for a record-extending eighth Masters title against Ding Junhui today, said: "Paul was an unbelievable talent.