Snooker legend Ray Reardon dies just a few months after hitting a century break
Six-time world champion Ray Reardon has died at the age of 91, World Snooker has announced.
It comes a few months after the snooker legend became one of the oldest players in history to hit a century break.
A statement on the WST’s official website said: “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.”
His death was confirmed by wife Carol.
Reardon, who is affectionately known as ‘the Gentleman’, dominated snooker in the 1970s – winning six World Snooker Championship titles. And he was the first snooker player to be ranked as World No.1, after the system was introduced in 1976.
(Image: SNOOKER-XTRA/Youtube)
Speaking to Torbay Today, last year the Welsh snooker legend said: “Absolutely, a 100 break, couldn’t believe it. I always wanted to beat my age… got a couple of 70s some time back and was happy with that.
“Then suddenly I did it … 100. Could not believe it! There cannot be many, if any, people in their 90s that have had a 100 break, I must be the only one in the world. Sadly, there is nobody left from my snooker circuit who is still playing, come to think of it.”
Jimmy White said on X: “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.”
Former player and BBC commentator John Virgo tweeted: “Sad news. Ray Reardon passed away last night, it was a honour to have known him, a true great of our game RIP.”
(Image: Daily Record)
Snooker star 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.”
During his playing career, Reardon was nicknamed Dracula, due to his dark widow’s peak – a V-shaped hairline – and sharp-toothed grin. Up until his death he was just a likely to be found with a golf club as a snooker cue, and was the president of Churston golf club in Brixham, Devon. He was voted as president of the club in 2001, after a spell as club captain beforehand.
