Terry Griffiths: A Welsh Snooker Legend Remembered

Terry Griffiths, a Welsh snooker icon and one of the sport’s most celebrated figures, has passed away at the age of 77 following a lengthy battle with dementia. Griffiths, whose rise to fame captured the imagination of fans worldwide, remains a cornerstone of snooker history, celebrated for his remarkable achievements both on and off the table.

Born in Llanelli, Griffiths made headlines in 1979 when he became the first qualifier to win the World Snooker Championship, defeating Dennis Taylor 24-16 in the final. This victory marked the beginning of a glittering career that also included triumphs at the Masters in 1980 and the UK Championship in 1982, completing snooker’s prestigious Triple Crown.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Griffiths was known for his sportsmanship, quick wit, and unwavering pride in his Welsh heritage. As his son Wayne shared in a heartfelt tribute:

“Terry Griffiths OBE passed away peacefully on 1st December, surrounded by family in his beloved hometown of Llanelli. He was a proud Welshman who brought immense pride to our town and will forever remain an icon in the hearts of snooker fans.”

The World Snooker Tour echoed this sentiment, describing Griffiths as “a former world champion and all-time snooker great.” Current players, coaches, and fans also poured in tributes, recognising his influence on the game. Fellow Welshman and three-time world champion Mark Williams referred to Griffiths as a “mentor, coach, friend, legend,” while Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen credited him for shaping his career and life, adding, “He wasn’t just a coach; he was family.”

Griffiths transitioned to coaching after retiring from professional play in 1997, guiding snooker stars like Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams, and Mark Allen. His insights and mentorship contributed significantly to their successes, further cementing his legacy.

Current world number one Judd Trump also paid tribute after his recent UK Championship victory, calling Griffiths “a witty guy, a great coach, and a legend of the game.”

Known for his charismatic commentary for BBC Sport, Griffiths brought snooker to living rooms across the UK, further endearing himself to fans. BBC presenter Jason Mohammad shared his gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Terry, for putting Wales on the sporting map. You welcomed me warmly into the snooker family, and your legacy will live on.”

Terry Griffiths’s incredible journey from a postman in Llanelli to a respected world champion inspired countless players and fans alike, as highlighted by the World Snooker Tour’s tribute to his remarkable legacy.

For more insights into snooker legends and the latest sports updates, visit EyeOnLondon for stories that bring you closer to the heart of the action.

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!