Snooker Matthew Stevens v Paul Hunter 2004 Final Frame

www.alex0paul.blogspot.com

Matthew Stevens fought back from a seemingly hopeless position to edge out Paul Hunter 13-12 at The Crucible.

Stevens, who began the session 10-6 behind, took all four of the opening frames to level after an inspired run with breaks of 58, 53, 64 and 73.

Hunter went 12-10 up but let Stevens back in with a missed match-ball pink in the 23rd.

The ninth seed cleared up to narrow the gap, forced a decider and edged a nail-biting decider on the pink.

Stevens was delighted with victory over his close friend but admitted his heart was in his mouth during a thrilling final frame.

"I played four perfect frames at the start, but then Paul came back well and I had to dig deep," said Stevens.

"It was an unbelievable end. We were both going for shots and missing - it was like the Davis and Taylor final.

"I think Paul is one the top two players in the world - he was the man to beat at this tournament."

A disappointed Hunter reiterated his desire to become world champion.

"You've got to believe in yourself in this game and I do - before the end of my career I will definitely be lifting that silver trophy," said Hunter.

"I was trying my hardest but I suppose the pressure did get to me a bit.

"He was a bit lucky, but that's snooker and it's not the end of the world."




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Second-round result (best of 25 frames):
M Stevens (Wal) 13-12 P Hunter (Eng)

109-21 (109), 58-67, 65-70 (65 Stevens), 47-83 (70), 89-0 (89), 62-45, 55-43, 2-85, 113-0 (113), 18-54, 26-105 (67), 57-43, 5-66, 0-125 (125), 1-85, 41-82, 73-37 (58), 91-0 (53), 80-42 (64), 77-0 (73), 0-81, 24-106 (99), 58-50, 61-31, 63-50

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Snooker
• World
• Championships
• Hunter
• Stevens
• O'Sullivan
• Ronnie
• Crucible
• Football
• Rugby
• Second
• Round
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• Hendry
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[morning3jack]

Would have been a world champion if his life hadnt been tragically cut short.

[russelltrigger]

Paul is a flaming legend!!

RIP paul

see you soon paul and remember i will challenge you for a couple of frames!!

[xXGhilliedxSamuraiXx]

I don't know what snooker is, but I know that Paul Hunter was taken tragically. Really too bad.

[PO0917]

Looking forward to see such a Matthew Stevens again... sadly he lost that form after Pauls death. Would be great to see him again as one of the world's top players. So snooker wouldn't have lost both of them.

[1072Steve]

Paul was a Legend and he was "The Paul Hunter",..Missing you fren when will you comeback... Love you...

[alessya87]

I never thought I could cry watching snooker... :'(

I remember seeing this game live when I was in the tenth grade and I was the biggest Paul Hunter fan ever! I literally screamed at every great shot and I especially loved the game because I knew him and Matthew were such good friends.

What a loss... Love you forever, Paul! :X

[TheKenfig]

@Phoenix1664 Yep, and Stevens is a nice lad as well ; good to see him back doing well at this years World Snooker. Paul's tragedy was terrible for such a young man with a baby daughter. Great he had her for a time to enjoy before he left, and leave for his young wife to love and be proud of

[6anatolyy4]

8:57 - John, are you announcing you are affiliated with LULZSEC?

[dagreatmogul]

@pooka543 Ray Edmunds

[ben9DB]

@belialLiar have some fucking respect

[AlexTheUniversal]

Both were really good. I was Hunter's supporter, since his decease I support Higgins.

[RomaniaRS]

R.I.P Paul :(