Snooker legend Terry Griffiths dies aged 77

Welsh snooker legend Terry Griffiths has passed away at the age of 77 following a lengthy battle with dementia.

Griffiths is one of only 11 players to have completed snooker’s Triple Crown, having won the 1979 World Championship, 1980 Masters and 1982 UK Championship during an illustrious career.

One of snooker’s greatest characters, Griffiths reached a career-high world ranking of three and was made an OBE for his services to the sport in 2007.

The proud Welshman shot to fame by becoming the first qualifier to win the World Championship when he defeated Dennis Taylor 24-16 in the 1979 final at The Crucible.

After retiring from professional snooker in 1997, Griffiths went on to become one of the sport’s most respected coaches, working with the likes of Mark Allen, Ali Carter, Ding Junhui, Marco Fu, Barry Hawkins, Stephen Hendry, Stephen Maguire, Joe Perry and Mark Williams.

He was also a regular commentator for the BBC during the Welsh Open and various other major tournaments.

Earlier this year, his family announced that he had dementia, and on Sunday, his son Wayne posted on Facebook: ‘To our friends and snooker followers in general, we are deeply saddened to share the news of our loss.

‘Terry Griffiths OBE passed away peacefully on 1st December, after a lengthy battle with dementia. He was surrounded by his family in his beloved hometown in South Wales.

‘A proud Welshman, Terry was born in Llanelli, brought pride to Llanelli and now he has found peace in Llanelli. He would not have had it any other way.’

A number of current and former professionals have taken to social media to pay their tributes to the man affectionately known as “Griff”.

Mark Allen posted on X: ‘What a legend of a man, who helped shape my career and life both on and off the table. Absolutely heartbroken. He wasn’t just a coach, he was family.’

Shaun Murphy posted: ‘Just hearing the news that Terry Griffiths has passed away. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.’

Griffiths’ Welsh compatriot Mark Williams added: ‘RIP, looked after me since playing in his club every Sunday since I was 12. What a legend.’

Alfie Burden, who faced Griffiths in the qualifying round of his last World Championship campaign, posted: ‘I’ll never forget being completely schooled by Terry Griffiths in the 1997 World Championship. Fond memories of Terry, a great man.’