Former snooker world champion Terry Griffiths dies aged 77 following lengthy battle with dementia – as world primary Judd Trump leads tribute to Welshman

Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths has died aged 77 after a long battle with dementia.

The legendary Welshman famously won at the Crucible in 1979 as a qualifier in just his second professional tournament.

Griffiths went on to win the Masters and UK Championship to complete a career Triple Crown before becoming an esteemed coach and working with some of the game’s top players, including Mark Williams and Mark Allen.

‘It is incredibly sad news,’ said Judd Trump after winning the UK Championship in York last night. ‘He is a legend of the game.

‘Terry was a very witty guy. Whenever I was at the Welsh Open, he would come over and make a joke. I had a good connection with him.

‘It is hard to connect with some of the older generation but he was someone I felt I could get along with. It is a sad day for Welsh sport.’

Former snooker world champion Terry Griffiths has at the age of 77

World No3 Allen posted on social media: ‘What a legend of a man who helped shape my career and life both on and off the table. Absolutely heart broken. He wasn’t just a coach, he was family.’

The World Snooker Tour’s official X account posted: ‘We are deeply saddened tonight to hear that Terry Griffiths, a former World Champion and all-time snooker great, has passed away at the age of 77.

‘Our sincere condolences to Terry’s family and many friends. He was loved and respected by everyone in the sport.’

The Welsh Billiards and Snooker Association said: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of WBSA President Terry Griffiths OBE. 

‘We send our deepest condolences to Terry’s family. 

‘RIP Griff.’

His memorable win in 1979 was only the second time a qualifier had won snooker’s premier competition after Alex Higgins achieved the feat seven years prior. 

After his final appearance at the Crucible in 1997, Griffiths commentated on major matches for the BBC.

He was awarded an OBE for services to snooker in 2007.