Snooker legend Ray Reardon dies

Six-time snooker world champion Ray Reardon has died at the age of 91.

The Welshman – widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players ever – died on Friday after battling cancer, his wife Carol confirmed.

World Snooker said Reardon dominated the sport’s world championship in the 1970s in a similar manner to Steve Davis in the 1980s and Stephen Hendry in the 1990s.

Nicknamed “Dracula” due to his widow’s peak hairstyle, World Snooker said Reardon “was one of the most popular and charismatic figures of his era, loved by millions of fans for his brilliance on the table and good humour off it”.

Leading the tributes, snooker legend Jimmy White said: “Gutted to hear my very good friend Ray Reardon has passed away.

“A total class act and very kind to me when I was making my way in the game. A giant of the game. Rest in Peace mate.”

Three-time world champion Mark Williams said: “Ray is one of the best sports people ever from Wales and the best snooker player.

“He’s one of the reasons why a lot of us started playing. He put snooker on the map, alongside Alex Higgins, Jimmy White and Steve Davis.

“Anyone playing now owes them a lot because they brought popularity to the game. He is a real inspiration.”

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‘True gentleman’

Mark Selby, a four-time world champion, tweeted: “Terribly sad news to hear the passing of Ray Reardon.

“Did not manage to be in his presence much, but what a legend of our sport. RIP Ray.”

Dennis Taylor, winner of the 1985 world championship, said: “So sad to hear of the passing of the great Ray Reardon. Would always be in my top 8 of all time.

“Had the pleasure of travelling around the world with a true gentleman. Condolences to all his family. RIP Ray.”

Shaun Murphy, world champion in 2005, said: “What a man you were Ray. An absolute animal on the table, and a total gentleman off it. It was an honour to spend time with you whether we played snooker or golf – I’ll treasure every minute. Rest in peace.”

From mining accident to world champion

Reardon almost lost his life in a mining accident in 1957 when he was 24 years old. As a teenager, he was spared evening shifts down the pit to allow him to practice his snooker.

He went on to win six world championship titles – his last in 1978 aged 45.

In 2004, he mentored Ronnie O’Sullivan at the world championship and helped steer him to his second world title.

Reardon was awarded an MBE in 1985 and the Welsh Open trophy was named after him in 2016.