Terry Griffiths, former world snooker champion, dies at age of 77 | Snooker

Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths has died aged 77 after a “long battle with dementia”, his family have confirmed.

Griffiths cruised through the qualifying rounds to win the 1979 Crucible world title, defeating Dennis Taylor 24-16 in the final. The Welshman also won the Masters title in 1981. and the 1982 UK Championships to complete the sport’s famous ‘triple crown’ and reach a career-high world ranking of No.3.

Griffiths’ son Wayne wrote on Facebook: “With our friends and followers of snooker in general, we are deeply saddened to share the news of our loss. Terry Griffiths OBE passed away peacefully on 1 December after a long battle with dementia.’

“He was surrounded by his family in his beloved hometown in the South Wales. A proud Welshman, Terry was born in Llanelli, brought pride to Llanelli and now he has found peace in Llanelli. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

Griffiths was one of the sport’s leading lights in the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching at least the quarter-finals of the World Championship for nine consecutive years and reaching the final again in 1988, where they lost 18–11 to Steve Davis. He retired after a first round defeat to Mark Williams at the 1997 Crucible. Griffiths was awarded an OBE in 2007. for “services to snooker”.

In later years Griffiths became an accomplished coach, inspiring the likes of Williams, Stephen Hendry and Mark Allen. Williams was among the first to pay tribute on social media, describing Griffiths as a “mentor, coach, friend, legend”. Alan added: “What a legend for 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.”

Judd Trump learned the news of Griffiths’ death afterward winning the UK Championship final against Barry Hawkins in York on Sunday night. Trump, the current number 1 in the world, said Mail Online: “This is incredibly sad news. He is a legend of the game.”

“Terry was a very witty man. Whenever I was at the Welsh Open, he would come and joke,” Trump added. “I had a good relationship with him. It’s hard to relate to some of the older generation, but he was someone I felt I could relate to. It is a sad day for Welsh sport.”

Shaun Murphy, the only other qualifier to win a world title in the Crucible era, told X: “I’ve just heard the news that Terry Griffiths has passed away. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Holy Snooker released a statement describing Griffiths as an “all-time snooker great”, adding: “Our sincere condolences to Terry’s family and many friends. He was loved and respected by everyone in the sport.”

The Welsh Billiards and Snooker Association said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of WBSA President Terry Griffiths OBE. We send our deepest condolences to Terry’s family.