Despite exuding bucket loads of determination and having the fans behind him at every venue, it has predictably been a season-long struggle for the Leeds man.

Hunter has only won one match all season, a 9-8 victory over Jamie Burnett, and that was won on the black; a superb effort given that he trailed 8-6.

That has been the only ray of sunshine all season for the three-times Masters champion.

Nevertheless, one cannot help but have huge admiration for the way that Hunter has conducted himself all season. Given his situation, he could be forgiven for being frustrated and bemoaning some ill fortune.

Moreover, he has been on the receiving end of two deciding-frame defeats, one to Rory McLeod at the Grand Prix and the other a few weeks ago at the China Open to David Roe. Not once has he even hinted at a complaint.

If attitude and strength of character ensured a place in the top 16, Paul Hunter would never lose his. Unfortunately, winning matches is the only way to keep him among snooker’s elite and with a tricky first round encounter against Neil Robertson, it seems an unlikely mission.

Prediction: First-round checkout