Hunter crashes out at the Crucible

Paul Hunter, diagnosed as having cancer of the colon two weeks ago, became the highest-ranked player so far to exit the Embassy World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre today.

The fourth seed was beaten 10-8 by world number 29 Michael Holt, who was making his debut in the televised stages of the sport’s premier event.

Leading 5-4 after the opening session, Hunter made two century breaks when the match resumed but they were not enough to stop the 26-year-old from Nottingham recording the biggest victory of his career.

Holt led 9-6 before Hunter claimed the next two frames and looked set to take the match into a decider, but a composed break of 38 wrapped it up for the qualified fitness instructor.