Terry Griffiths, former world snooker champion, dies at age of 77
Terry Griffiths, a former world snooker champion, has passed away at the age of 77 following a prolonged struggle with dementia, according to a statement from his family.
Griffiths is well-known for his remarkable journey through the qualifying stages to claim the world title at the Crucible in 1979, defeating Dennis Taylor 24-16 in the championship match. The Welsh player also secured the Masters title in 1981 and won the UK Championship in 1982, achieving the prestigious "triple crown" in snooker. Additionally, he reached his peak as the world ranked No. 3 during his career.
Wayne Griffiths posted on Facebook: “To our friends and snooker fans everywhere, we are heartbroken to announce our loss. Terry Griffiths OBE left us peacefully on December 1, following a long struggle with dementia.”
He was embraced by his loved ones in his cherished hometown in South Wales. A man who took great pride in his Welsh heritage, Terry was born in Llanelli, brought honor to the town, and has now found tranquility there. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Griffiths was a prominent figure in the sport during the 1980s and early 1990s. He made it to the quarter-finals of the world championship for nine consecutive years and reached the final once more in 1988, where he was defeated 18-11 by Steve Davis. He hung up his cue after being knocked out by Mark Williams in the first round at the Crucible in 1997. In 2007, Griffiths received an OBE for his contributions to snooker.
In his later years, Griffiths emerged as a highly respected coach, motivating players such as Williams, Stephen Hendry, and Mark Allen. Williams was quick to honor him on social media, calling Griffiths a "mentor, coach, friend, and legend." Allen shared his feelings as well, stating, "What an incredible man who played a significant role in shaping my career and life, both at the table and beyond. I am utterly devastated. He was more than just a coach; he was like family to me."
Judd Trump found out about Griffiths' passing shortly after he claimed victory over Barry Hawkins in the UK Championship final in York on Sunday night. The reigning world number one shared with Mail Online, “It’s heartbreaking to hear. He was a true icon of the sport.”
“Terry had a great sense of humor. Every time I attended the Welsh Open, he would come up to me and tell a joke,” Trump mentioned. “We shared a strong bond. It can be difficult to relate to some of the older crowd, but he was someone I could really connect with. Today is a sad day for sports in Wales.”
Shaun Murphy, the only qualifier aside from Terry Griffiths to secure the world title during the Crucible era, expressed his sadness on X: “I just heard the news that Terry Griffiths has passed away. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
World Snooker released a statement calling Griffiths an "all-time great in snooker" and expressed their heartfelt sympathies to Terry's family and numerous friends. They noted that he was cherished and admired by all within the sport.
The Welsh Billiards and Snooker Association expressed their sorrow, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the death of our President, Terry Griffiths OBE. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Terry’s family.”
