Paul Hunter was born on 14 October 1978 and it was not too long before he took a shine to the sport of snooker.

The Leeds lad played in numerous junior tournaments around the UK before deciding to turn professional in 1995 at the age of 16.

It was not long before he made an impact on the sport, beating Scot John Higgins to win the Regal Welsh.

He came to attention of the snooker world with that performance and his pin-up looks made him a favourite with female fans.