Snooker star Paul Hunter has lost his battle with stomach cancer, it has been confirmed.

The 27-year-old - often branded the David Beckham of the snooker world - was taken into Huddersfield's Kirkwood Hospice on Friday and died yesterday (Monday) evening.

Hunter was diagnosed with neuro endocrine tumours on his stomach in March 2005 and began a course of chemotherapy. He continued to play professionally despite the illness but fell from 5th to 34th in the world rankings.

He leaves behind wife Lindsey and 9 month-old daughter Evie Rose.