Former World Snooker Champion Ray Reardon Dies Aged 91

Six-time world snooker champion Ray Reardon has died, aged 91.

The Welsh sportsman dominated the sport of snooker between 1970 and 1978. Nicknamed “Dracula” because of his distinctive hairstyle, he became a household name associated to the World Championship in the 1970s.

His wife, Carol confirmed his death to the World Snooker Tour (WST). He reportedly died on Friday. “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,” said a statement from WST.

Reardon won his first title in 1970, when he defeated John Pulman 37-33 in the final. He went on to win in 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1978, and became the runner-up in 1982. He was awarded an MBE in the 1985 Queen’s Birthday Honors.

He won the opening Pot Black tournament in 1969, and was the first player to be ranked “world number one” when rankings were introduced during the 1976-77 season.

Reardon retired in 1991 at the age of 58. However, he later played in the 2000 World Seniors Masters where he lost his opening one0frame match 46-69.

Leading his tribute, three-time World Champion Mark Williams said on the WST website, “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.”

In 2016, the Welsh Open Trophy was named in Reardon’s honor.

Visit www.africanpridemagazine.com for more