The former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths has died at the age of 77 after a “lengthy battle with dementia”, his family have confirmed.
Griffiths famously came through the qualifying rounds to win the 1979 Crucible world title, beating Dennis Taylor 24-16 in the final. The Welshman also won the Masters title in 1981 and the UK Championship in 1982 to complete the sport’s illustrious “triple crown”, and reached a career-high world ranking of No 3.
Griffiths’ son Wayne wrote on Facebook: “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 1 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.”
Griffiths was one of the sport’s leading lights during the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching at least the quarter-finals of the world championship for nine straight years and reaching the final again in 1988, where he lost 18-11 to Steve Davis. He retired after a first-round defeat to Mark Williams at the Crucible in 1997. 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.” Allen added: “What a legend of 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 after winning the UK Championship final against Barry Hawkins in York on Sunday evening. Trump, the current world No 1, told Mail Online: “It is incredibly sad news. He is a legend of the game.”
“Terry was a very witty guy. Whenever I was at the Welsh Open, he would come over and make a joke,” Trump added. “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.”
Shaun Murphy, the only other qualifier to win the world title in the Crucible era, said on X: “Just hearing the news that Terry Griffiths has passed away. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
World Snooker posted 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 passing of WBSA President Terry Griffiths OBE. We send our deepest condolences to Terry’s family.”
