Daily SumUp

Snooker legend Ray Reardon has passed away aged 91.

Reardon was dominant in the game during the 1970s, winning the World Snooker Championship title in 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1978 and holds the honour as the first person to be named world No.1. He was one of the sport's most popular and charismatic players, known as 'Dracula' due to his distinctive hairstyle.

The Welshman was still playing snooker in recent months and made headlines in December after becoming one of the oldest players to make a century break. He was awarded an MBE 1985, was inducted into the snooker Hall of Fame in 2011 and his name will live on as the winner of the Welsh Open is presented with the Ray Reardon Trophy.

Former player and BBC commentator John Virgo tweeted: "Sad news. Ray Reardon passed away last night, it was a honour to have known him, a true great of our game RIP."

Legendary player Jimmy White tweeted: "Gutted to hear my very good friend Ray Reardon has passed away. A total class act and very kind to me when I was making my way in the game. A giant of the game. Rest in Peace mate."

Snooker star Mark Williams said: “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.”

Speaking at the start of 2023, ahead of the Masters Snooker event, Ronnie O'Sullivan explained the enduring legacy of Reardon. "Ray Reardon brought a side to the game I never knew existed," O'Sullivan told Eurosport. "I learnt it and now I appreciate it and use it a lot, and when I have to."