The Welshman grew to change into the first qualifier to acquire the sphere championship, beating Dennis Taylor 24-16 in the 1979 closing.

Griffiths additionally won the Masters in 1980 and the UK Championship in 1982 to entire snooker’s ‘Triple Crown’.

He additionally reached a occupation-high third in the sphere rankings, and in 2007 turned into made an OBE for his companies and products to the sport.

His son Wayne wrote on Fb: “To our chums and snooker followers in general, we are deeply saddened to share the news of our loss.

“Terry Griffiths OBE handed away peacefully on 1st December, after a lengthy war with dementia. He turned into surrounded by his family in his cherished native land in South Wales.

“A proud Welshman, Terry turned into born in Llanelli, brought pleasure to Llanelli and now he has found peace in Llanelli. He don’t have had it any inaccurate scheme.”

A message on World Snooker Tour’s official X story added: “We are deeply saddened tonight to hear that Terry Griffiths, a mature world champion and all-time snooker immense, has handed away at the age of 77.

“Our loyal condolences to Terry’s family and heaps of chums. He turned into loved and revered by everyone in the sport.”

Griffiths grew to change into an finished coach after the end of his legit taking half in occupation in 1997, tantalizing stars equivalent to Stephen Hendry, Ticket Williams and Ticket Allen – and additionally regularly commentated on snooker for BBC Sport.

Three-time world champion and fellow Welshman Williams turned into amongst the first to pay tribute on social media, describing him as a “mentor, coach, pal, legend”.

Northern Ireland’s Allen added: “What a legend of a man, who helped form my occupation and existence both on and off the table. Completely heartbroken. He wasn’t magnificent a coach, he turned into family.”

Talking after beating Barry Hawkins 10-8 in the last of the UK Championship in York on Sunday, sleek world #1 Judd Trump additionally paid tribute to Griffiths.

“It’s very, very sad news,” said the 2019 world champion. “It is subtle for the family and as well they’ve any such historical past in snooker.

“Terry turned into a witty man. He turned into persistently very silly and quick, and a legend of the sport. He turned into someone that, when I went to the Welsh Begin he’d persistently near over and operate a silly legend.

“I contemplate on account of the of us that went to him you would uncover he turned into a immense coach. I had a correct connection. It is vitally sad news and a tragic day for Welsh sport in general.”

BBC snooker presenter Jason Mohammad additionally added on social media: “So sad to hear this news tonight.

“Thanks Terry for putting Wales on the sporting blueprint – to your sensible commentary, chats and warmth in studio.

“Received’t ever neglect the style you welcomed me to the snooker family when joining the BBC TV group. Prayers with all family and chums.”