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.
Reardon (right) with Jimmy White, Dennis Taylor and actress Jennifer Guy (left to right). Pic: PA
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”, World Snooker said.
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.”
Reardon and Alex Higgins. Pic: PA
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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‘What a legend of our sport’
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.”
Former snooker player Neal Foulds tweeted: “Awfully sad news that Ray Reardon has passed away. A giant of our sport.
“Thanks for the memories Ray. Rest in peace.”
From a mining accident to six-time world champion
Reardon almost lost his life in a mining accident in 1957, when he was 24 years old, and as a teenager 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.