John Spencer was a three-time world snooker champion and one of the sport’s defining figures during the early years of the televised era.
John Spencer – Career Snapshot
| Date of birth: | 18 September 1935 |
| Nationality: | England |
| Turned professional: | 1968 |
| Highest world ranking: | No. 2 |
| Ranking titles: | 1 |
| World Championship titles: | 3 |
| Triple Crown titles: | 4 |
| Masters appearances: | 10 |
| Maximum 147 breaks: | 0 |
John Spencer’s Snooker Career
John Spencer turned professional in 1968 as snooker was entering its modern era, and he made an immediate impact by winning the World Snooker Championship at the first attempt. A former English Amateur champion, he helped lead the sport into the new knockout format introduced in 1969, defeating John Pulman in the opening round before going on to lift the title.
Spencer added a second world crown in 1971 and remained a central figure through the early 1970s, even as new challengers emerged. In 1972, he was beaten by a rising Alex Higgins while attempting to defend his title, but he continued to feature prominently at the business end of major tournaments throughout the decade.
His biggest success outside the World Championship came at the inaugural Masters in 1975, where he edged Ray Reardon 9-8 on a respotted black in a classic final. Already established as a Pot Black favourite – winning the BBC event three times – Spencer went on to achieve his most historic triumph in 1977 by capturing a third world title at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, becoming the venue’s first champion.
Spencer continued to win notable titles around the world, claiming trophies in Ireland, Canada, and Australia and contributing to England’s victory at the World Team Classic in 1981. His later playing career was disrupted by illness, and he retired in 1992, later working as a respected commentator and serving as chairman of the WPBSA for a period in the 1990s.
Spencer was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2003 and died in 2006 at the age of 70.
John Spencer’s Ranking Titles
John Spencer won one ranking title during his professional career.
| Year | Tournament |
|---|---|
| 1977 | World Snooker Championship |
Other Major Titles and Notable Wins
- World Snooker Championship (1969, 1971)
- The Masters (1975)
- The Classic (1980)
- Pot Black (1970, 1971, 1976)
- Canadian Open (1976)
- Irish Masters (1975, 1976, 1978)
- Australian Masters (1980)
- Pontins Professional (1977)
- Castle Professional (1978)
- Holsten Lager International (1979)
- World Team Classic (1981)
John Spencer and the Triple Crown
John Spencer won four Triple Crown titles during his professional career.
- World Championship: 3 titles (1969, 1971, 1977)
- UK Championship: 0 titles
- Masters: 1 title (1975)
SHQ Star Rating: ★★★★★★
SnookerHQ uses a seven-point star scale based on the scoring values of snooker balls, with a black (7) representing the highest career classification. Ratings are assigned using career achievements, longevity, and historical impact.
John Spencer: ★★★★★★
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Featured photo credit: WST