Snooker player Lee Spick dies aged 34 following liver-related illness

Snooker player Lee Spick has died at the age of 34 after battling a liver-related illness.

The former world 65, who became professional in 2000, was being treated in hospital prior to his death.

Ex-tour player Gary Wilkinson told World Snooker: "He was a lovely lad but lost his way recently. He was very talented. We practised together and became mates. It's sad that he never achieved what he could have done."

Spick retired in 2012, but returned to the tour at the beginning of 2013 to compete in just two tournaments.

The player was crowned English Under-15 champion and came to within one round of qualifying for the World Championships twice in his career.