Kyren Wilson and Peter Ebdon paid tribute to the late Paul Hunter after their epic battle in the final of the tournament which is dedicated to the talented star. 

The ranking event is named after the three-times Masters winner whose life was tragically cut short in the most heartbreaking of circumstances after losing his battle with cancer, aged just 27.

Hunter was known as the ‘Beckham of the Baize’ because of his good lucks and his popularity within the sport. After winning three Masters titles, many in the game believe he would have gone to win the World Championship – possibly winning it on multiple occasions – his game was that good.

In its 12th year, the Paul Hunter Classic was played in Furth in Germany with Kyren Wilson and Peter Ebdon contesting the final on Sunday evening.

Wilson, who was inspired to the play the game by watching Paul Hunter in action, won his second major ranking title after he came back from 2-0 down to defeat the 2002 world champion 4-2.

Speaking just after his win, Wilson said: “I’m absolutely delighted. Reiterating exactly what Peter has just said, sometimes it is not about the winning, it’s about remembering a fantastic player.

“The memory of Paul Hunter lives on with this particular tournament.”

Wilson then later said on Twitter: “I entered the #PaulHunterClassic to remember a great player who inspired me to play snooker it’s not always about the money, it’s a shame some of the lads who were about when Paul was couldn’t be bothered to enter…bonus is I’m now in champion of champions as a result of it.”

Ebdon said: “This has always been a wonderful tournament (because of) the history and the association with it in Paul’s name.

“Paul was one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen, one of the best match players we’ve ever seen and one of the best players under pressure we’ve ever seen.

“To lose such a young man was absolutely terrible and this is why the players travel here to play. It is always well supported and the German fans are the best in the world.”