Terry Griffiths: Former world snooker champion dies after lengthy battle with dementia Trending Global News

Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths dies at the age of 77; Griffiths won at The Crucible in 1979 before completing the sport’s ‘Triple Crown’; After retiring from playing the Welshman went into television punditry and coaching.

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 followers in general, we are very sad to share the news of our loss.

“Terry Griffiths OBE died peacefully on 1 December 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, made Llanelli proud and now he has found peace in Llanelli. He wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Griffiths went through the qualifying rounds before winning the 1979 World Snooker Championship, and also won the Masters and UK Championships to complete the sport’s illustrious ‘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 made an OBE for his services to sport.

Terry Griffiths made his last appearance in The Crucible in 1997

Snooker stars pay tribute to Griffiths

World No. 1 Judd Trump paid tribute to Griffiths after winning the UK Championship final on Sunday evening.

“It’s very, very sad news,” Trump said. “It’s difficult for the family and he has such a history in snooker.

“Terry was a funny guy. He was always very funny and sharp, and a legend of the game. He was the kind of guy who, when I went to the Welsh Open, he would always come over and joke.

“I think because of the people who visited him you could say he was a great coach. I had a good relationship with him. It’s incredibly sad news and a sad day for Welsh sport in general “

Williams and Allen, both of whom described Griffiths as a mentor, were among the players who paid tribute on social media on Sunday.

Griffiths was at the top of the game in the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching the World Championship quarter-finals for nine consecutive years and the final again in 1988.

She retired from the sport after a first round loss to Williams at the 1997 World Championships.

World Snooker posted a statement describing Griffiths as “an all-time snooker great”, adding: “Our deepest condolences to Terry’s family and many friends. He was loved and respected by everyone in the game.”

The Welsh Billiards and Snooker Association said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Terry Griffiths OBE, President of the WBSA. We offer our deepest condolences to Terry’s family.”