Ray Reardon, Six-Time World Champion, Dies at 91

Ray Reardon, the former world snooker champion has passed away at the age of 91. The Welsh snooker legend died on Friday evening following a battle with cancer as confirmed by his wife, Carol. Reardon dominated the snooker scene in the 1970s, winning six world titles between 1970 and 1978. His distinctive widow’s peak hairstyle earned him the nickname ‘Dracula.’ He rose to fame during the sport’s television boom.

For instance, he first gained recognition by winning the inaugural Pot Black series on BBC Two in 1969 and subsequently received an MBE in the 1985 Queen’s Birthday Honours. After retiring from professional snooker in 1991 at the age of 58, Reardon continued to influence the sport as a consultant for Ronnie O’Sullivan, assisting him in winning the world title in 2004.

In addition, in 2016, the trophy awarded to the Welsh Open winner was named the Ray Reardon Trophy in his honor. The snooker community has mourned his passing, with many expressing their tributes. For example, Mark Williams, a three-time world champion, praised Reardon as one of the greatest sportspeople from Wales and credited him with popularizing snooker alongside Alex Higgins, Jimmy White and Steve Davis.

Williams stated, “He is a real inspiration.” Similarly, Jimmy White, a six-time World Championship finalist, called Reardon a “class act” and a “giant of the game.” Meanwhile, Mark Selby, a four-time world champion, described him as “a legend.” Moreover, commentator and former player John Virgo expressed that it was “an honor to have known… a true great of our game.”

Dennis Taylor, the 1985 world champion, remembered Reardon as “a true gentleman” with whom he had the pleasure of traveling worldwide. Stuart Bingham, who won the world championship in 2015, reflected on the pride of receiving the Welsh Open trophy from Reardon in 2017.