July 20th 2024.
Ray Reardon, a legendary figure in the world of snooker, has sadly passed away at the age of 91 after battling cancer. He was a six-time world champion and one of the most successful and beloved players of his time. In the 1970s, he dominated the sport and won six world titles, becoming the first officially ranked world number one in snooker. His fans affectionately called him 'Dracula', and he also won numerous other tournaments, including The Masters in 1976.
Even after his retirement in 1991, Reardon's passion for snooker never waned. He took on the role of a mentor to younger players, including Ronnie O'Sullivan, who went on to win his second World Championship title in 2004 with Reardon's guidance. It was a proud moment for the former champion to see his protégé follow in his footsteps and break his record as the oldest world snooker champion, which had stood since 1978.
In a sweet tribute to his mentor, O'Sullivan even wore fake Dracula teeth after his victory in the 2024 final against Graeme Dott. Ray's wife Carol confirmed his passing on Friday night, and the world of snooker mourned the loss of a true legend. Fellow player Mark Williams, a three-time Crucible king, paid his respects and hailed Reardon as one of the best sportspeople to come from Wales and the greatest snooker player. He also acknowledged how Reardon, along with other popular players like Alex Higgins, Jimmy White, and Steve Davis, helped put snooker on the map and inspire a new generation of players.
Reardon's love for snooker was evident even after his retirement, as he continued to play the game and even made a century break at the impressive age of 91. He was born in Tredegar and had worked as a policeman before making a name for himself in the world of snooker. He almost lost his life 13 years before becoming a world champion when a mine collapsed while he was working underground. It took three hours to rescue him from under the rubble, but he survived and went on to achieve greatness in the sport he loved.
In a later interview, Reardon shared the details of his terrifying experience, describing how he had to remain still and play imaginary games of marbles with his brother to pass the time until he was rescued. His perseverance and strength of mind were an inspiration to many, including snooker greats like Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry, who have credited Reardon as a major influence in their careers.
Ronnie O'Sullivan, who was mentored by Reardon, also spoke highly of the Welshman's impact on his game. He credited Reardon for introducing him to a whole new side of snooker, which he had never known before. Even after his mentor's passing, O'Sullivan continues to use the techniques he learned from Reardon, and he considers it a valuable part of his game.
The news of Reardon's passing was met with an outpouring of love and respect from players and fans alike. John Virgo, a former player and BBC commentator, paid tribute to Reardon as a 'true great of our game'. In one of his last interviews, Reardon had expressed his ongoing passion for snooker, describing it as a magical experience where he could block out all distractions and play his best game. His legacy will live on in the hearts of snooker enthusiasts all over the world, and he will always be remembered as one of the true legends of the sport.
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