Legacy of a Snooker Legend: Ray Reardon Passes Away at 91

Ray Reardon, an emblematic figure in the world of snooker and a six-time champion of the World Snooker Championship, has sadly passed away at the age of 91 due to cancer. His wife, Carol, shared the news, marking the end of an era for a player fondly remembered for his signature nickname, ‘Dracula‘, which stemmed from his distinctive widow’s peak and smile.

Born in 1932 in the mining town of Tredegar, Reardon rose to prominence in the sport during the 1970s, securing his six world titles within a remarkable span of nine years. His championship wins occurred in 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and his last in 1978, cementing his status as a dominant force. Notably, his last victory occurred at the age of 45 years and 203 days, a record for the oldest world champion that stood until challenged by Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2022.

Mark Williams, a three-time world champion, led the outpouring of tributes to Reardon, stating, “Ray is one of the best sportspeople 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, as they brought popularity to the game. He is a real inspiration.”

During his career, Reardon became an elder statesman of snooker as the sport began to flourish in the mid-1980s. Though he was bested by his long-term rival, Alex Higgins, in the celebrated 1982 world final held at the Crucible Theatre, Reardon skillfully captured the title of the oldest player to win a ranking event, doing so at fifty by defeating Jimmy White in the final of the Professional Players Tournament in 1983—a record that still holds strong.

Reardon’s influence reached beyond his own accolades; he was the inaugural winner of the Pot Black tournament in 1969, a pivotal event that helped bring snooker into the homes of viewers across the UK during the boom of color television. Furthermore, when the professional rankings were introduced for the 1976-77 season, he made history by becoming the first player to hold the No. 1 ranking, successfully maintaining it for five consecutive years.

In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Reardon was appointed an MBE in 1985 and, from the 2017 edition onwards, the Welsh Open trophy was renamed in his honor as the Ray Reardon Trophy.

In his later years, he resided in Devon and was an active member of his local golf club in Churston, where even at the age of 91, he astounded fellow players by achieving a century break at his club. His enduring influence on emerging snooker talent is evidenced by the admiration from his successors; Steve Davis, who surged to prominence in the 1980s, credited Reardon for the nuances he incorporated into his own game after watching him play in 1975.

Additionally, Reardon played a mentor role for Ronnie O’Sullivan ahead of the 2004 World Championship, offering psychological and tactical guidance, primarily focusing on safety play. O’Sullivan went on to win his second world title that year and has since frequently acknowledged Reardon’s impact on his career, even placing him among the three most influential figures in his life. “Ray Reardon brought a side to the game I never knew existed,” O’Sullivan remarked. “I learnt it and now I appreciate it and use it a lot.”

Ray Reardon’s life journey began humbly in the coal-mining community of Tredegar where, at the tender age of eight, he was introduced to cue sports by his uncle. Initially captivated by English billiards, it soon became clear that Reardon was a natural at snooker. He earned the News of the World amateur title in 1949, laying the groundwork for what would become a stellar amateur career.

Reardon’s early professional life saw him working at Ty Trist Colliery, where he took extraordinary measures to protect his hands for snooker by wearing white gloves while mining. However, a narrow escape from a disastrous rockfall incident in 1960 prompted a career shift to policing, leading him to relocate to Stoke. In a bold move, he turned professional in snooker in 1967 at the age of 34, and his first major victory came in the inaugural Pot Black tournament, rapidly thrusting him into the spotlight and leading to a decade of snooker excellence.

Throughout the 1970s, Reardon’s steady demeanor and consistent play captivated audiences on British television, as he showcased his remarkable talent across numerous shows such as This is Your Life and Parkinson. The mischievous entertainer Paul Daniels aptly dubbed him ‘Dracula’, a moniker that stuck, reflecting his refined elegance and deep-seated charisma.

In his personal life, Reardon was initially married to Sue, a pottery painter, with whom he had two children. After their divorce in 1986, he began a relationship with Carol Covington, whom he married in 1987. Their love story, intertwined with Reardon’s illustrious career, speaks to his ability not just to charm on the snooker table but also in life.