"Beckham of the Baize" Hunter dies aged 27

SINGAPORE, Oct 10 (Reuters) Paul Hunter, the British snooker player dubbed ''the Beckham of the baize'', died after an 18-month battle with cancer late on Monday, aged 27.

The three-times 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 Web site.

''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.'' REUTERS AY VC1035