Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths has passed away at the age of 77 after a prolonged battle with dementia, his family has announced.

Griffiths made history in 1979 when he emerged from qualifying to defeat Dennis Taylor in the crucible final, claiming the World Snooker Championship. Over his illustrious career, he also secured victories in the Masters and the UK Championship, completing snooker’s prestigious Triple Crown.

His son, Wayne Griffiths, shared the news on Facebook:
“To our friends and snooker followers, we are deeply saddened to share the news of our loss. Terry Griffiths passed away peacefully on 1st December, after a lengthy battle with dementia. He was surrounded by his family in his beloved hometown in South Wales.”

The World Snooker Tour paid tribute to Griffiths, calling him an “all-time snooker great” and extending condolences to his family and friends.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Griffiths was a dominant force in the sport, reaching at least the quarter-finals of the World Championship for nine consecutive years, including a return to the final in 1988. He retired in 1997 after a first-round loss to Mark Williams at the World Championship.

Beyond his playing career, Griffiths became a highly respected coach, mentoring stars like Stephen Hendry, Mark Allen, and three-time world champion Mark Williams. Williams honored Griffiths on social media, describing him as a “mentor, coach, friend, legend.”

World number one Judd Trump also reflected on Griffiths' passing, calling him a “legend of the game.” He recalled Griffiths' sense of humor, particularly at the Welsh Open, where the snooker great would often share a joke.

Griffiths’ legacy as a player, coach, and beloved figure in the snooker world will endure, leaving a lasting impact on the sport he championed.