Snooker Legend Ray Reardon Passes Away at 91

Ray Reardon, a six-time world snooker champion known for his dominance in the 1970s and his charismatic persona, has died at 91. Reardon was a pivotal figure in making snooker popular and continued to inspire future generations even after his retirement.

Six-times world snooker champion Ray Reardon has passed away at the age of 91 after being diagnosed with cancer, the World Snooker Tour announced on Saturday. Reardon, who passed late on Friday, was a dominant force in snooker during the 1970s, clinching his first world title in 1970, followed by five more.

Known as 'Dracula' for his distinctive widow's peak hairstyle, Reardon was widely celebrated for his charisma and popularity. Despite retiring from professional snooker in 1991 at the age of 58, he continued to play the sport recreationally. "Ray is one of the finest sports personalities from Wales and the best in snooker," said Mark Williams, a fellow Welshman and three-time world champion.

Williams added, "He's a significant reason many of us took up the game. Alongside icons like Alex Higgins, Jimmy White, and Steve Davis, he put snooker on the map. Modern players owe a great deal to him. He remains a true inspiration to us all."

(With inputs from agencies.)