Many tend to think that a passion for snooker signifies a misspent youth.

However, for Terry Griffiths, snooker served as a refuge from a difficult childhood.

6

6

6

Yesterday, tributes flowed for the charming world snooker champion who passed away on Sunday at the age of 77, following a lengthy battle with dementia.

Griffiths, who was fiercely proud of his Welsh heritage, belonged to an exclusive club of just 11 players to accomplish snooker’s prestigious Triple Crown.

Despite winning the Masters title in 1980 and later the UK Championship in 1982, it was his remarkable victory in the World Championship in 1979 during his debut that earned him international acclaim.

Snooker player Mark Allen expressed his thoughts on X/Twitter: “A true icon who significantly impacted my career and life, both in and out of the game.”

“I am heartbroken. He wasn’t merely a mentor; he felt like family.”

Terry Griffiths was born Terence Martin Griffiths on October 16, 1947, in Llanelli, south Wales, as the youngest among three siblings.

The son of a tin-plate worker, he displayed exceptional academic promise and attended grammar school. However, feeling the absence of his friends at the local secondary modern school — particularly after failing the 11-plus exam — he experienced a phase of truancy.

Griffiths frequently played truant to reconnect with his childhood friends and ultimately faced expulsion from grammar school. He rekindled ties with friends like Phil Bennett and Derek Quinnell, who later became celebrated Welsh rugby athletes.

He encountered probation twice for petty theft but successfully avoided a life of crime after discovering Hatcher’s snooker hall in Llanelli.

By the age of 13, he was playing snooker on a mini-table with his father and earning money from coal miners through cash games.

‘Worked my charm’

At 15, he took up a miner’s apprentice position in Pontarddulais, receiving five shillings a week. However, the lengthy hours conflicted with his snooker practices, leading him to leave for a job as a bus conductor, which provided him with more practice time.

It was on the upper deck of the bus that he encountered Annette, his lifelong love, now 75.

In his autobiography, Terry reflected: “I was on the late shift when she got on my bus.”

“She rode several stops while I put on my charm. It seemed to work because not long after, she ended her relationship with her boyfriend to be with me.”

Terry married young, at the age of 21 in 1969, and they welcomed two sons: Wayne, who currently coaches snooker in Hong Kong, and Darren, a professional golfer.

To enhance his skills, Terry worked as a postman, and during the first national postal strike in 1971, he enjoyed two months for uninterrupted practice.

That same year, he became the runner-up in the Welsh Championships.

He adjusted his work hours for tournaments and transitioned to being a door-to-door insurance salesman.

A significant turning point came in 1977 when he won the English Amateur Championship and successfully defended his title the following year. At 30, this motivated Terry to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time professional.

This decision required Annette to take on work at a car radiator factory to support their finances.

In 1979, he reached the World Championships in Sheffield on his first attempt, defeating Alex “Hurricane” Higgins before overcoming Dennis Taylor in the final match.

The prize of £10,000 and the opportunity to earn £75,000 a year enabled him to purchase an upscale home in Burry Port on the Carmarthen coast, complete with a dedicated snooker room.

In 1987, he launched his own snooker club in Llanelli, mentoring local talents, including a 12-year-old Mark Williams.

Even after achieving world champion status, which permitted him to command high fees for his appearances, Terry honored a pre-existing commitment to play at a modest club in Kilgetty near Tenby.

Journalist Tom Bedford, sent by his local paper to cover the event, remarked: “This illustrates the kind of person Terry was; despite being a world champion, he upheld the fee he accepted prior to his victory.”

That same year, UK champion John Virgo stayed with Terry’s family while participating in various tournaments in Wales. Virgo recalled one morning when he opened his bedroom curtains to find Terry washing his car — a typical act of kindness from him.

A teetotaler, Terry was known to be a heavy smoker, often consuming ten cigarettes during matches. During a trick-shot exhibition at the Hong Kong Masters with Jimmy “Whirlwind” White, Terry struggled with his shots after appearing to wobble about like someone intoxicated.

Underdog story

When asked how he felt, Terry humorously replied: “I just had one of Jimmy’s roll-your-own cigarettes. They’re amazing, aren’t they?”

In a time when only three TV channels existed, snooker players became cultural icons.

The public broadly embraced Terry’s underdog story as the sport evolved from smoky pubs to primetime television.

His cheerful demeanor captivated many, and his distinct hairstyle was featured in Chas & Dave’s 1986 hit “Snooker Loopy,” where he humorously sang, “I’ll buy another eight hairbrushes for my barnet.” Terry remarked: “My life shifted dramatically overnight, but I remained the same individual I was in 1979.”

After an impressive 18 years at the top of the sport, Terry retired in 1997 at the age of 49 to focus on coaching and commentary after being defeated by Mark Williams, the young player he had guided from the age of 12.

In 2007, he was honored with an OBE for his contributions to snooker.

Tragically, six years ago, BBC Wales snooker reporter Gareth Blainey expressed concern when polished broadcaster Terry appeared for an interview, questioning: “What subjects will they be discussing with me?”

This early sign indicated Terry’s struggle with dementia. Gareth commented: “Terry was incredibly witty and sharp. Witnessing his battle with dementia is truly heartbreaking; it’s an unforgiving illness.”

Barry Hearn, a long-time promoter for Terry, paid his respects, stating: “A great friend has departed. I don’t believe anyone could ever speak ill of Terry — he was genuinely one of the kindest, most straightforward individuals you could encounter.

“On a global scale, he was one of our finest ambassadors.”

6

6

6