Former snooker world champion Terry Griffiths died at the age of 77. Griffiths won The Crucible in 1979 before completing the sport’s “triple crown.” The Welshman moved into television and coaching after retiring
Last updated: 02/12/24 12:30 PM
Terry Griffiths won the 1979 World Snooker Championship at The Crucible
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 our friends and snooker fans in general, it is with deep sadness that we share the news of our loss.
“Terry Griffiths OBE died peacefully on December 1 after a long battle with dementia. He was surrounded by his family in his beloved home town in South Wales.
“A proud Welshman, Terry was born in Llanelli, brought pride to Llanelli and now he has found peace in Llanelli. He wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Griffiths made it through the qualifying rounds before winning the 1979 World Snooker Championship, and also won the Masters and UK Championships to complete the sport’s famous ‘triple crown’.
In later years, Griffiths became an accomplished coach, inspiring the likes of Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams and Mark Allen.
In 2007, Griffiths was awarded 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 paid tribute to Griffiths after winning the British Championship final on Sunday night.
“It’s very, very sad news,” Trump said. “It’s difficult for the family and they have such a history in snooker.
“Terry was a funny guy. He was always very funny and a legend of the game. He was someone who, when I went to the Welsh Open, he always came and joked.
“I think because of the people who went to him, you can tell he’s a great coach. 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 paid tribute on social media on Sunday.
Griffiths was at the top of the sport in the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching at least the quarter-finals of the World Championships nine years in a row and reaching the final again in 1988.
After losing to Williams at the 1997 World Championships, she retired from the game.
World Snooker released 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 all in the sport.”
The Billiards and Snooker Association of Wales said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of WBSA President Terry Griffiths OBE. Our deepest condolences go out to Terry’s family.”
