A proud Welshman, Terry Griffiths won the World Championship in 1979 and the Masters in 1980 before completing snooker’s ‘Triple Crown’ in 1982 by winning the UK Championship.
He was also crowned BBC Wales Sport’s Personality of the Year in 1979.
After retiring as a professional player in 1997, Griffiths turned his hand to coaching and mentored many icons of the game, including Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams, Ronnie O’Sullivan and many more.
He was also a successful snooker commentator and was admired by snooker fans in Wales and across the world.
Carmarthenshire County Council Leader Cllr Darren Price has paid tribute to one of Llanelli’s greatest sons and a giant of world snooker, Terry Griffiths OBE who has sadly died.
Cllr Darren Price, speaking on behalf of the Council, said:
“Terry Griffiths will be remembered as a true snooker legend, whose battles with the likes of Alex Higgins, Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis inspired generations of snooker fans across the world.
“There was no doubting Terry’s pride in his hometown of Llanelli – his amazing accomplishments put Llanelli, Carmarthenshire and Wales on the map.
“Whilst working as a commentator and pundit, his strong Llanelli accent was an informative, intelligent and warm expert guide to millions of snooker viewers, whilst his love for the town was evident by his establishing the Terry Griffiths Matchroom in Llanelli during the height of his playing career.
“Our deepest condolences are extended to Terry’s family and friends following his passing.”
Online, across social media, members of the community have paid their respects to Terry Griffiths:
One Facebook user said, “So well loved and a true gentleman. Thank you for so many hours of wonderful snooker. Rest in Peace Terry. Condolences to your family.”
Terry Griffiths, a Welsh snooker champion renowned for his tactical brilliance and calm demeanour, emerged as a significant figure in the sport during the late 1970s and 1980s. His crowning achievement came in 1979 when he claimed the World Snooker Championship, showcasing a blend of skill and strategy that set a benchmark for aspiring players. Following on from that achievement, Griffiths had further success in winning the Masters of 1980, before winning the UK Championship, completing snooker’s ‘Tripe Crown.’
Griffiths was celebrated not only for his playing prowess but also for his contributions to the sport as a coach and commentator, sharing his wealth of knowledge with future generations. His legacy is a testament to hard work and dedication, inspiring many with his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a world champion.
Terry Griffiths embodied the spirit of snooker, and his impact on the game will be remembered long after the final chalk dust settles on the table.
Pic: Craig Price
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