December 28th 2024.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Silvino Francisco at the age of 78. The former snooker star, who captured the hearts of many with his talent and charm, will be deeply missed. Francisco rose to fame in 1985 when he won the prestigious British Open, cementing his place in snooker history. His presence on the circuit throughout the 1980s was a source of joy for fans all over the world, and he reached number ten in the world rankings at the peak of his career.
What makes Francisco's legacy even more remarkable is that he remains the only African player to have ever won a ranking event in the sport. His victory over Kirk Stevens in the final of the British Open drew a staggering 15.5 million viewers, a testament to his popularity and the excitement he brought to the game. His prize money of £50,000 was a record-breaking amount at the time and added to his already impressive list of achievements.
Despite his many successes, Francisco humbly announced his retirement in 1997. His career had been filled with memorable wins over some of the biggest names in snooker, including Jimmy White and Alex Higgins. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association released a statement today confirming the sad news of Francisco's passing, expressing their condolences to his wife June and all those who knew and loved him.
Francisco will always be remembered for his talent and contributions to the sport. His win at the British Open in 1985 will forever be etched in the minds of snooker fans. He also made eight consecutive appearances at the Crucible, with the 1989 World Professional Snooker Championship being his final one. However, his later years were not without struggles, as he faced gambling problems and declared bankruptcy in 1996. A year later, he was arrested for smuggling cannabis and served three years in prison.
Despite these challenges, Francisco remained dedicated to his family and continued to support and nurture young snooker players. His passing comes shortly after the death of another snooker legend, Terry Griffiths, who passed away at the age of 77 after battling dementia. Griffiths, who won the world title as a qualifier in 1979, was highly respected in the snooker community and will be deeply missed.
The snooker world mourns the loss of two great players, but their legacies will live on through their achievements and the memories they have left behind. We will always remember Silvino Francisco and Terry Griffiths as icons of the sport, and their impact will never be forgotten.
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