Ray Reardon, widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players ever, has died at the age of 91. The Welshman, who dominated the sport during the 1970s, passed away on Friday after a battle with cancer, his wife Carol confirmed.
Reardon’s remarkable career saw him win six world championships, all within the 1970s. He was the first player to be ranked world number one when world rankings were introduced during the 1976-77 season.
A statement on the World Snooker Tour’s (WST) 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.”
Reardon was affectionately nicknamed “Dracula” due to his distinctive widow’s peak hairstyle. He became one of the most popular and charismatic figures of his era, beloved by millions of fans for his brilliance on the table and his good humor off it.
Despite his advancing years, Reardon continued to play snooker, even making a century break last November, just a few months after his 91st birthday. Before turning professional, Reardon worked in a mine and as a police officer, while playing snooker as an amateur.
Reardon won the Welsh Amateur Championship every year from 1950 to 1955 and the English equivalent for the first time in 1964. In 1967, at the age of 35, he decided to quit policing and pursue a career in professional snooker.
He was awarded an MBE in 1985 and was inducted into the Snooker Hall of Fame in 2011. Tributes have poured in from across the snooker world, with current and former players honoring the legend on social media.
Jimmy White wrote: “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.”
Mark Williams added: “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.”
Reardon is survived by his wife Carol and his two children from his first marriage to Sue. His legacy in the world of snooker and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come.
