Welsh snooker legend and former world champion Terry Griffiths has died at the age of 77.

He was best known for winning the 1979 World Snooker championship as a qualifier, in what was just his second professional tournament. By beating Dennis Taylor in the final, he became just the second qualifier to ever win the World Championship after the legendary Alex Higgins

He reached the final of the tournament again in 1988, but lost to Steve Davis.

As well as several amateur titles early in his career, Griffiths also won the Masters in 1980 and the UK Championship in 1982 to complete snooker's Triple Crown.

After retiring from professional snooker in 1996, he became the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association's director of coaching and coached the likes of Stephen Hendry, Ding Junhui and fellow Welshman Mark Williams.

Earlier this year, Griffiths’ family announced he had been diagnosed with dementia.

His death was announced by Welsh Snooker shortly after the UK Championship final on Sunday evening. In a statement, it said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of WBSA President Terry Griffiths OBE. We send our deepest condolences to Terry’s family.”

His son Wayne confirmed the tragic news of his passing on Sunday evening, writing on Facebook: "To our friends and snooker followers in general, we are deeply saddened to share the news of our loss. Terry Griffiths OBE 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. A proud Welshman, Terry was born in Llanelli, brought pride to Llanelli and now he has found peace in Llanelli. He would not have had it any other way.

"Our family would like to send our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Bryngolau Ward in Prince Philip Hospital for their exceptional care for Dad, and for their support for our family, over the last few weeks."

Shaun Murphy, who emulated Griffiths’ 1979 feat by winning the 2005 World Championship as a qualifier, is among those to have already paid tribute.

“Just hearing the news that Terry Griffiths has passed away,” Murphy wrote on X. “My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”