He was educated at Cardinal
Heenan High School in Leeds.
Encouraged by family and
friends, Hunter spent many
hours at the practice table,
and by the age of 12, had
become an outstanding junior
talent. Under the careful
guidance of experienced
professionals Jimmy Michie and
former World Champion Joe
Johnson, the Leeds youngster
made his debut amongst the
professional ranks in July
1995.
Four months later, Hunter
caused a major sensation at
the UK Championship by beating
world number six Alan McManus
9-4 in the first round. He
followed up that achievement
by becoming the youngest
player to reach the last four
of a ranking event when he
reached the semi-finals of the
1996 Regal Welsh Open at mere
age of 17 and three months.
Also in 1996, he reached the
quarter-finals of the UK
Championship where he beat
Willie Thorne 9-0, James
Wattana 9-5 and Terry Murphy
9-7 before bowing out 9-5 to
eventual champion Stephen
Hendry. Hunter's achievements
earned him high accolades
throughout the game and was
awarded a wildcard to play at
the 1997 Benson & Hedges
Masters. Although he was
beaten 5-1 by Mark Williams in
the first round, it was to be
the start of a great love
affair that he would have with
Wembley.
