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Hundreds gather at Hunter funeral Hundreds gather at Hunter funeral
(10 minutes later)
Hundreds of mourners assembled in Leeds Parish Church and many more gathered outside for the funeral of snooker professional Paul Hunter.Hundreds of mourners assembled in Leeds Parish Church and many more gathered outside for the funeral of snooker professional Paul Hunter.
The three-times Masters champion died of cancer at Kirkwood Hospice, Huddersfield last Monday, aged 27.The three-times Masters champion died of cancer at Kirkwood Hospice, Huddersfield last Monday, aged 27.
Matthew Stevens, Hunter's closest friend on the circuit, was one of the pallbearers at the service.Matthew Stevens, Hunter's closest friend on the circuit, was one of the pallbearers at the service.
Meanwhile, many of Hunter's fellow professionals were due to form a guard of honour for their friend's coffin.Meanwhile, many of Hunter's fellow professionals were due to form a guard of honour for their friend's coffin.
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry and six-time winner Steve Davis were joined by Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, Ryan Day, Dennis Taylor, John Parrott and Willie Thorne.Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry and six-time winner Steve Davis were joined by Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, Ryan Day, Dennis Taylor, John Parrott and Willie Thorne.
Hunter's coffin has been inside the church for the past two days and thousands have signed a book of condolence started by his widow Lindsey and 10-month-old daughter Evie Rose.Hunter's coffin has been inside the church for the past two days and thousands have signed a book of condolence started by his widow Lindsey and 10-month-old daughter Evie Rose.
Lindsey Hunter watched as the coffin was carried into the church by six pallbearers wearing the snooker player's "uniform" of a dark suit with a black bow tie.Lindsey Hunter watched as the coffin was carried into the church by six pallbearers wearing the snooker player's "uniform" of a dark suit with a black bow tie.
The hearse was covered in floral tributes.The hearse was covered in floral tributes.
Mrs Hunter follows her husband's coffin into Leeds Parish ChurchMrs Hunter follows her husband's coffin into Leeds Parish Church
Down one side, the words "My daddy" were spelt out in pink roses and next to a photograph of Hunter was a card which simply said "From your princess".Down one side, the words "My daddy" were spelt out in pink roses and next to a photograph of Hunter was a card which simply said "From your princess".
Other flowers on the car spelt out the words "Legend", "Son" and "Bro".Other flowers on the car spelt out the words "Legend", "Son" and "Bro".
Jimmy White was among the first of the players to arrive, with those following forming a roll-call of the famous names of the sport.Jimmy White was among the first of the players to arrive, with those following forming a roll-call of the famous names of the sport.
John Virgo, Willie Thorne and Steve Davis chatted with other mourners as Peter Ebdon, Ken Doherty and Shaun Murphy were among the many others who filed into the church.John Virgo, Willie Thorne and Steve Davis chatted with other mourners as Peter Ebdon, Ken Doherty and Shaun Murphy were among the many others who filed into the church.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was one of the later players to arrive.Ronnie O'Sullivan was one of the later players to arrive.
I admired the kid so much, he battled so very hard these last two or three years Willie ThorneI admired the kid so much, he battled so very hard these last two or three years Willie Thorne
Speaking outside the church, fans' favourite Willie Thorne said: "I'm deeply saddened.Speaking outside the church, fans' favourite Willie Thorne said: "I'm deeply saddened.
"He's just going to be so sadly missed. He had a great personality, so you never knew whether he had won or lost."He's just going to be so sadly missed. He had a great personality, so you never knew whether he had won or lost.
"I admired the kid so much, he battled so very hard these last two or three years.""I admired the kid so much, he battled so very hard these last two or three years."
Bald Thorne recalled how Hunter used to say he did not mind the chemotherapy "as long as I don't end up looking like Willie Thorne." Bald Thorne recalled how Hunter used to say he did not mind the chemotherapy "as long as I don't end up looking like Willie Thorne".
Also speaking outside the church, former world champion Dennis Taylor said: "Paul just stood out a mile. He was just so good for our game.Also speaking outside the church, former world champion Dennis Taylor said: "Paul just stood out a mile. He was just so good for our game.
"It's just a dreadfully sad loss. He would have certainly been a world champion, that's for sure.""It's just a dreadfully sad loss. He would have certainly been a world champion, that's for sure."
Taylor recalled a particular final clash between Hunter and Ronnie O'Sullivan, saying the two of them walked to the table like "two pop stars".Taylor recalled a particular final clash between Hunter and Ronnie O'Sullivan, saying the two of them walked to the table like "two pop stars".