THE SNOOKER WORLD is remembering Lee Spick, who has died at the age of just 34.
Spick, a former world no.65 who twice reached the final qualifying round of the World Championship, was being treated in hospital for a problem with his liver.
Players and other members of the snooker fraternity have been expressing their condolences on Twitter.
Michael Holt: “RIP Lee Spick. So sad.”
Stuart Bingham: “RIP Lee Spick. Sad news and so young.”
Craig Steadman: “R.I.P to one of the most talented snooker players I've ever seen. Lee Spick x”
David Grace: “Just seen the news about Lee Spick, massive talent dominated Junior comps at Leeds when I first started, sad sad way for him to go.”
Referee Jan Verhaas: “Just found out that Lee Spick has passed away. I’m Speechless....... Terrible. Such a lovely lad and awesome snooker player. RIP”
Referee Paul Collier: “Very sad news about Lee Spick today. Talented player and a nice lad. RIP.”
Referee Brendan Moore: “Very sad to hear that Lee Spick has died. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Gary Wilkinson, a former World Matchplay champion from the same area as Spick, who now works for World Snooker, told worldsnooker.com: “I saw Lee a couple of days ago and was due to see him again tonight. He’d had a seizure and was in intensive care but we hoped he'd get better. He was a lovely lad but lost his way recently.
“I remember when he came through as a player, he was very talented. We practised together and became mates. It’s sad that he never achieved what he could have done.”
Spick was a highly regarded junior, winning the English national under 15 title. He won a title on the Challenge Tour and appeared in the last 48 of a ranking event five times.
Inside Snooker sends our condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.