Snooker legend Ray Reardon dies aged 91

The Welshman was widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players ever.

The Monmouthshire-born sportsman won the World Snooker Championship six times and is widely regarded as one of the greats of the game.

Some sad news to bring you.

Six-time world snooker champion Ray Reardon has passed away at the age of 91. pic.twitter.com/rUkZDCkL55

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 20, 2024

He earned the nickname 'Dracula' due to his widow's peak hairstyle, and 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.

World Snooker Tour announced his death in a statement this morning, writing: "Ray Reardon, widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players ever and a six-time World Champion, has died at the age of 91.

"Welshman Reardon, who dominated the World Championship in the 1970s in a similar manner to Steve Davis in the 1980s and Stephen Hendry in the 1990s, passed away on Friday night after a battle with cancer, his wife Carol confirmed. 

"Nicknamed ‘Dracula’ due to his widow’s peak hairstyle, he 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. 

"He was still playing snooker in recent months, and remarkably made a century break last November, a few weeks after his 91st birthday."

Fellow professionals including Jimmy White paid tribute to the charismatic figure on social media.

White wrote: "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."

1986 International Open winner Neal Foulds posted: "Awfully sad news that Ray Reardon has passed away. A giant of our sport. Thanks for the memories Ray. Rest in peace."

Awfully sad news that Ray Reardon has passed away. A giant of our sport. Thanks for the memories Ray.
Rest in peace. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vKnTcIZGk4

— Neal Foulds (@fouldsy147) July 20, 2024

Four-time world champion Mark Selby wrote: "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."

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 🙏🏻

— Mark Selby MBE (@markjesterselby) July 20, 2024

Reardon was awarded the MBE 1985. He was inducted into the snooker Hall of Fame in 2011, and each year the winner of the Welsh Open is presented with the Ray Reardon Trophy. Throughout the snooker family, he was much loved and highly respected.

The father of two, who married his second wife Carol in 1987, lived for over 40 years in Devon, an area he had got to know through playing exhibitions.

After retirement he continued to play snooker socially, as well as golf, becoming President of Churston Golf Club. In 2019 he survived a pulmonary embolism, and continued to approach life with enthusiasm.