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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.



Ray Reardon
Ray Reardon nailed a century break only last year

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.”



Eddie Sinclair (right) February 1979 Scottish snooker player playing a match with Ray Reardon O/S C/T Eddie Sinclair

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.