Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths has died aged 77. Griffiths triumphed at The Crucible in 1979 before completing the sport’s ‘triple crown’. The Welshman moved into TV punditry and coaching after retiring from the game
Last Updated: 02/12/24 12:30 AM
Terry Griffiths won the World Snooker Championship at The Crucible in 1979
Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths has died aged 77 after a long battle with dementia, his family have confirmed.
Griffiths’ son Wayne wrote on Facebook: “To friends and fans of snooker in general, it is with deep sadness that we 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 town in South Wales.
“A proud Welshman, Terry was born in Llanelli, brought pride to Llanelli and has now found peace in Llanelli. He wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Griffiths got through the qualifying rounds before winning the 1979 World Snooker Championship and also won the Masters and the UK Championship to complete the sport’s famous ‘triple crown’.
Over the next few years, Griffiths became an accomplished coach, inspiring the likes of Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams and Mark Allen.
In 2007, Griffiths was made an OBE for services to sport.
Terry Griffiths made his last appearance at The Crucible in 1997
Snooker stars pay tribute to Griffiths
World No 1 Judd Trump led the tributes to Griffiths after his victory in the UK Championship final on Sunday night.
“It’s very, very sad news,” Trump said. “It is difficult for the family and they have such a history in snooker.
“Terry was a witty guy. He was always very funny and quick, and a legend of the game. He was someone who when I went to the Welsh Open he would always come and crack a joke.
“I think because of the people who took him you could tell he was a great manager. I had a good relationship. It’s incredibly sad news and a sad day for Welsh sport in general.”
Williams and Allen, who both describe Griffiths as a mentor, were among the players who took to social media on Sunday to pay tribute.
Griffiths was at the top of the sport during the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching at least the quarter-finals of the World Championships for nine consecutive years and reaching the final again in 1988.
She retired from the game after a first-round loss to Williams at the 1997 World Championships.
World Snooker released a statement describing Griffiths as “snooker’s all-time great”, adding: “Our sincere condolences to Terry’s family and his many friends. He was loved and respected by all in the sport.”
The Welsh Billiards and Snooker Association said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of WBSA President Terry Griffiths OBE. We send our deepest condolences to Terry’s family.”
