Elsewhere, Drew Henry is considering quitting snooker after the Scotsman was beaten 5-1 by Ian McCulloch.
But, despite never winning the world title, Doherty labelled Hunter as one of snooker's "greatest characters".
BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Snooker | Hunter loses battle with cancer
Hunter, a three-times Masters winner and former World Snooker semi-finalist, has always been a crowd favourite.
BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Snooker | Holt gears up for Hunter reunion
He has even been spotted hustling for a few pounds around Manchester's snooker clubs.
These are the famed spot paintings that Mr Hirst says were inspired by playing snooker.
The 32-year-old said he was "stunned" because not many people involved in snooker had been given honours.
"It's a very sad day, not only for snooker but also for the sporting world, " he said.
BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Snooker | Hunter loses battle with cancer
Carmarthenshire county council turned down an application to convert the snooker hall on Wind Street to a club.
In fact, Chinese heroes in all sporting industries are emerging, whether in golf, snooker or Formula 1 racing.
Last year, Ebdon added to his reputation as snooker's man apart by emigrating with his family to Dubai.
O'Sullivan said afterwards that he was enjoying snooker again and that he would continue to play an attacking game.
I've got to stop myself going into a rant because I'll probably get disciplined (by World Snooker) for this.
BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Snooker | O'Sullivan books slot in last 16
World Snooker will be hoping that Friday's announcement would have pleased both sides.
BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Snooker | Snooker's future rests in Sheffield
Among the nominees for the sports award were Antrim GAA football manager Brian White and snooker star Joe Swail.
Prior to his involvement with World Snooker, Warren ran his own academy in Northampton, and is convinced such institutions work.
One resident, Jan Ali, told Associated Press that Thursday's blast at the snooker hall was "a scene like hell on Earth".
The former British under-19 champion is particularly savouring his appearance at the Crucible, with uncertainty surrounding the famous theatre's snooker link.
BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Snooker | Holt gears up for Hunter reunion
Oh, and as far as making planets is concerned, God may not play dice, but He is a mean hand at snooker.
He didn't play much now, the local snooker halls had barred him, but he was still sure he could beat almost everyone.
Snooker player Jack Lisowski, a former cancer patient from Gloucestershire, said the new unit would have made his life "so much more bearable".
BBC: Teenage cancer centre in Bristol appeals for further ?1m
The Scot is relishing the challenge and is confident he can deal with the expectation that somes with holding snooker's most prestigious title.
BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Snooker | Dott relishing Trophy challenge
The lifetime achievement award went to retired snooker legend Ray Reardon in recognition of his dominance of the sport for over a decade.
He emerged with a grin as wide as a full-size snooker table is long and strutted his way to victory over Fergal O'Brien.
Henry needed victory against McCulloch to stay on and will now have to rely on a wildcard from World Snooker for major events.
"There are plenty of snooker tables in Dubai, but Peter chooses not to take his cue with him, " said Wales's 1982 UK champion.
The three of them walking together were a familiar sight around town and they enjoyed playing snooker and hanging out together, he said.
Dott fought back with some excellent matchplay snooker to bring the score back to 7-7, but he could never get his nose in front.
BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Snooker | Hendry clinches Malta Cup title
After the Englishman died of cancer, snooker fans and stars united in grief, with nearly all of the world's top players attending his funeral.
BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Snooker | Hunter's widow in Masters appeal
In the years of his best form (helped by the advent of colour, which made sense of the balls), snooker became a television sensation.
It is a regular entertainment venue with concerts at its Grand Hall and it was once the regular host of the UK Snooker Championships.
应用推荐