Exclusive: Doherty Makes Moving Tribute To Snooker Icon Terry Griffiths Following His Death Aged 77

Ken Doherty has paid a glowing tribute to snooker icon Terry Griffiths after his untimely death.

Former world champion Doherty was coached by Griffiths during his distinguished career, as were a number of top stars including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams, Mark Allen and Marco Fu.

And the Dubliner was understandably deeply saddened by Griffiths’ passing aged 77 on Sunday night.

“He was a great man, he gave a lot to snooker over the years,” Doherty told SportsBoom.

“He left an indelable mark on our wonderful sport, but at the same time was such a humble man and so well respected.
“He was also a great champion, a world champion and also a Masters and UK champion.

“He was a wonderful player, he gave some amazing service to the game. Hr

“He was a lovely man, a great player and a great coach. He’ll be sadly missed.

“He was very funny, he had a lovely dry sense of humour and was always great company.

“A lot of the top players will have really fond memories of him over the years – and even the younger generation because he was always keen to pass on his wealth of experience and knowledge about the game.”

ALL-TIME GREAT

Doherty first teamed up with Welshman Griffiths, winner of 20 professional titles, when under the 110 Sport Management Group.

And the 1997 Crucible King remembers fondly the times he would drive to Griffith’s snooker club in Llanelli for coaching sessions with one of snooker’s all-time greats.

“I went to see him many moons ago at his club in Llanelli, I’d spend a couple of days with him and he was always a great help,” reflected Doherty.

“I always loved listened to him and him talking about the game, his philosophies and views on it.

“It’s been a sad time these last 12 months with the deaths of Ray Reardon and Clive Everton, and also Willie Thorne not that long ago. And now sadly we’ve lost Terry, one of snooker’s real characters.”

Griffiths was part of snooker’s golden generation that helped grow the popularity of the sport, famously featuring in the iconic snooker song ‘Snooker Loopy’ along good friends Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor.

Known affectionately as ‘Griff’ to his friends, Griffiths won the world title in 1979, the Masters in 1980 and the UK Championship in 1982 to complete snooker’s coveted Triple Crown.

RESPECTED PUNDIT AND COMMENTATOR

And after retiring following a decorated career at the top, Griffiths enjoyed success as a well-respected coach, TV pundit and coach.

“He was just a great guy,” added Doherty. “He played in some big finals with Steve Davis, there was great admiration for each other and they had a great friendship.

“Dennis Taylor text me to say he went to Wales to see him in hospital just before he died.

“He must have had so much fun during his life, he was part of the famous ‘Matchroom Mob’, who were credited with widening snooker’s appeal.

“And we was on the other end of the first ever 147 break against Cliff Thorburn, he’s been part of so many iconic moments in the sport.

“He’ll be remembered so fondly by so many people.”