Snooker legend, Terry Griffiths dies at 77

Terry Griffiths, the celebrated former world snooker champion, has died at the age of 77 following a prolonged struggle with dementia, his family has announced.

Griffiths achieved global fame in 1979 when he emerged from the qualifying rounds to claim the prestigious Crucible title. He also secured victories in the Masters and the UK Championship, completing snooker’s highly coveted ‘triple crown.’

In his later years, Griffiths transitioned into coaching, where he significantly influenced the careers of notable players like Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams, and Mark Allen.

Paying homage to his former mentor, three-time world champion Mark Williams referred to Griffiths as a “mentor, coach, friend, legend” in a heartfelt social media post. Mark Allen also shared his sorrow, stating: “What a legend of a man who helped shape my career and life both on and off the table. Heartbroken. He wasn’t just a coach, he was family.”

Griffiths’ son, Wayne, expressed the family’s grief in a Facebook post, saying: “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.”

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Griffiths was a dominant presence in professional snooker. He reached the World Championship quarter-finals for nine consecutive years and played in the final again in 1988. He retired from the sport in 1997 following a first-round loss to Mark Williams at the World Championship.

World number one Judd Trump, who recently clinched the UK Championship title, reflected on Griffiths’ legacy, describing him as a “legend of the game.” Speaking to the Daily Mail, Trump remarked: “Terry was a very witty guy. Whenever I was at the Welsh Open, he would come over and make a joke. I had a good connection with him.

“It is hard to connect with some of the older generation, but he was someone I felt I could get along with. It is a sad day for Welsh sport.”

Former world champion Shaun Murphy also shared his condolences, writing on X: “Just hearing the news that Terry Griffiths has passed away. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Griffiths’ remarkable contributions to snooker, both as a player and as a coach, have left an indelible mark on the sport. His humour, mentorship, and skill will continue to be cherished by fans and players alike.

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