Legendary snooker commentator Clive Everton passes away

Clive Everton, one of snooker’s most iconic commentators of all time, has died at the age of 87.

Affectionately known as “the voice of snooker”, Everton was involved in the sport for well over seven decades – as a player, journalist, commentator, broadcaster and author.

An accomplished snooker and billiards player, he was ranked as high as ninth in the world in the latter, while being a four-time Welsh amateur champion and two-time World amateur semi-finalist.

Everton also won the 1977 National Pairs Championship alongside Roger Bales in snooker, and spent 10 years as a professional between 1981 and 1991.

But it is for his journalistic and broadcasting expertise that he will be most fondly remembered.

Everton was the editor of Snooker Scene magazine for 51 years and was the BBC’s lead commentator during the 1990s and 2000s, notably calling Stephen Hendry’s seventh Crucible triumph in 1999.

He later commentated for ITV from 2013 and 2020, and was behind the mic when Ronnie O’Sullivan compiled his 1,000th century at the 2019 Players Championship.

Everton’s incredible services to cue sports were acknowledged when he was inducted into the Snooker Hall of Fame in 2017, before receiving an MBE two years later.

A minute’s silence was held ahead of Friday’s play at the British Open, where the trophy is named in honour of Everton, who battled Parkinson’s disease in his later years.

And many of the game’s biggest names took to social media to pay tribute to him.

RIP Clive. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ghQBDyOX0M

— Live Snooker (@Livesnooker) September 27, 2024

Neil Robertson, the 2010 World champion, wrote: “So sad. A voice I had heard many times from when I used to get video tapes of snooker sent to Australia as a kid.

“Meeting and have him commentate on my first televised matches meant so much. It made me feel part of the snooker family.

“Clive, I’m sure, was an inspiration to many of the great commentators we have today and warmed the hearts of millions watching at home.”

Dennis Taylor, the 1985 Crucible king and a long-term colleague of Everton’s, said: “A wonderful commentator and was a pleasure to work with for many years.”

“Sad news today about the passing of one of the great commentators in snooker,” wrote 1997 World champion Ken Doherty. “My condolences to all his family and friends.”

World number three Mark Allen said: “Waking up to the news of Clive Everton sadly passing away. Never got to have a proper chat with him, but heard nothing but glowing reviews.”

Former World champion Stuart Bingham wrote: “A sad day for our game. Sending best wishes to his family”, while reigning Crucible king Kyren Wilson added: “Rest in peace, Clive.”

Eurosport and ITV commentator Dave Hendon – a protege and great friend – also paid tribute to: “A giant of broadcasting and journalism. A much valued colleague and friend. We all owe him so much.

“The Voice of Snooker is silent now, but will forever be remembered by the sport he loved.”

I have some very sad news. Clive Everton has passed away at the age of 87. A giant of broadcasting and journalism. A much valued colleague and friend. We all owe him so much.
The Voice of Snooker is silent now but will forever be remembered by the sport he loved.

— David Hendon (@davehendon) September 27, 2024