Ray Reardon dies aged 91 as tributes pour in for snooker icon

Snooker legend Ray Reardon has died at the age of 91.

Reardon reigned supreme in the snooker scene throughout the 70s, securing World Snooker Championship titles in 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1978. He was both a tremendously popular and charismatic player.

Even in recent months, the Welsh icon continued to play and remarkable headlines were made in December as he became one of the oldest players to achieve a century break. Rewarded with an MBE in 1985, he was inducted into the snooker Hall of Fame in 2011.

His name will continue to be celebrated as the victor of the Welsh Open claims the Ray Reardon Trophy, reports the Mirror.

John Virgo, former player and BBC pundit, tweeted his heartfelt sorrow over Ray's passing: "Sad news. Ray Reardon passed away last night, it was a honour to have known him, a true great of our game RIP."

Former world champion Mark Williams stated: "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."

In 2023, just ahead of the Masters Snooker tournament, Ronnie O'Sullivan reflected on Reardon's lasting legacy. "Ray Reardon brought a side to the game I never knew existed," stated OSullivan during an interview with Eurosport.

"I learnt it and now I appreciate it and use it a lot, and when I have to."