Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths dies aged 77

LONDON: Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths has died at the age of 77 after a long battle with dementia, his family has confirmed.

The British player came through qualifying to beat Dennis Taylor in the 1979 Crucible final and also won the Masters and the UK Championship to complete the sport´s illustrious Triple Crown.

Griffiths´ son Wayne wrote on Facebook: "To our friends and snooker followers in general, 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 home-town in South Wales."

The World Snooker Tour described Griffiths as an "all-time snooker great", adding: "Our sincere condolences to Terry´s family and many friends. He was loved and respected by everyone in the sport." The Welshman was a fixture at the top of the sport during the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching at least the quarter-finals of the World Championship.