Clive Everton, much-loved snooker commentator, dies aged 87

Clive Everton, a cherished snooker commentator during the peak of the sport's fame, has passed away at the age of 87.

He served as a commentator for the BBC from 1978 until 2010, collaborating with Ted Lowe and Jack Karnehm during the flourishing period of the 1980s. By the 1990s, he had established himself as the top commentator in the field. In addition, he contributed articles to the Guardian and Observer for a considerable time.

Dennis Taylor, the world champion from 1985, praised Everton, stating, "He was an exceptional commentator and a joy to collaborate with." Meanwhile, the World Snooker Tour referred to him as "one of the finest commentators in the history of snooker, the voice of the sport," expressing their sympathy to his family.

Neil Robertson, a past world champion, expressed his sorrow, saying, “It’s very sad. I remember hearing his voice countless times when I would receive videotapes of snooker in Australia as a kid. Having him commentate on my first televised matches was incredibly meaningful to me. It truly made me feel like I belonged to the snooker community. I’m certain that Clive inspired many of today’s top commentators and brought joy to millions of viewers at home. Rest in peace.”

Ken Doherty, the champion from 1997, shared with ITV Sport: “He had a legendary voice and a real way with words. Everyone listened intently to what he had to say. He excelled at wrapping up frames and creating suspense – that's the hallmark of top-notch commentators, and he was among the finest we've ever had.”

Shaun Murphy, the 2005 champion at the Crucible, referred to Everton as "the royalty of snooker broadcasting." He noted the "incredible twist of fate" that players are this week competing for a trophy named after him. He commented on the "perfect timing throughout."

Everton was an exceptional athlete. He claimed junior championships in English billiards and secured the Welsh billiards title multiple times. He finished as a runner-up five times in the English amateur billiards championship and reached the semi-finals of the world amateur championship twice during the 1970s.

He became a professional snooker player in 1981 and climbed to a highest ranking of world number 47 during his decade in the sport. He also achieved a peak of ninth place in the professional billiards rankings, and even in his sixties, he stayed within the top 20.

Everton was born in Worcester in 1937 and went to King’s School in Worcester, as well as the City of Birmingham College of Commerce and Cardiff University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English. After completing his studies, he worked as a teacher at Halesowen College of Further Education before transitioning to a career in freelance journalism.

He served as a sports journalist, focusing on tennis, badminton, hockey, and squash. From 1966 to 1971, he was the editor of Billiards and Snooker magazine, and starting in 1972, he took on the role of editor for Snooker Scene, a position he held until September 2022. In addition, he wrote 20 books on cue sports.

He was primarily recognized as a snooker commentator on television during the late 1970s and 1980s, a time when stars like Alex “Hurricane” Higgins, Ray Reardon, Steve Davis, and Jimmy White elevated the sport's popularity. Partnering with the iconic “Whispering Ted” Lowe and Karnehm, Everton gained a reputation for his insightful remarks and deep passion for the game. He became the main commentator for the BBC in the 1990s, but in 2009 and 2010, his role was diminished as the BBC began to feature former players Steve Davis, Ken Doherty, and Stephen Hendry more prominently in their commentary lineup.

He served as the snooker correspondent for The Guardian from 1976 to 2011, recognized for his clear, precise, and insightful reporting. In addition, he received an MBE in the 2019 birthday honors for his contributions to the sport of snooker.