Terry Griffiths was a world snooker champion and one of the most tactically astute players of his generation.
Terry Griffiths – Career Snapshot
| Date of birth: | 16 October 1947 |
| From: | Wales |
| Turned professional: | 1978 |
| Highest world ranking: | No. 3 |
| Ranking titles: | 1 |
| World Championship titles: | 1 |
| Triple Crown titles: | 3 |
| Masters appearances: | 17 |
| Maximum 147 breaks: | 0 |
Terry Griffiths’ Snooker Career
A Welsh amateur champion and two-time English amateur champion, Terry Griffiths turned professional in 1978 at the relatively late age of 31. His impact on the professional game was immediate and extraordinary. In his debut season at the World Snooker Championship, Griffiths became the first qualifier to win the title at the Crucible Theatre, defeating Alex Higgins in the quarter-finals, Eddie Charlton in the semi-finals, and Dennis Taylor in the final to lift the trophy in 1979.
He followed up that historic triumph by capturing the Masters in 1980 and the UK Championship in 1982, completing a rare career Triple Crown. Alongside further victories at the Irish Masters and other invitational events, Griffiths quickly established himself as a consistent presence at the business end of major tournaments.
However, the emergence of Steve Davis proved decisive in limiting Griffiths’ ranking event success. Davis defeated him six times at the World Championship between 1980 and 1988, including in the 1988 final, during a period in which Griffiths nonetheless remained among the world’s elite.
Despite adding only one ranking title to his record, Griffiths spent close to 15 years ranked inside the world’s top ten. He retired from professional competition following a first-round loss at the 1997 World Championship and later enjoyed a highly successful career as a snooker coach.
On December 1, 2024, it was announced that Terry Griffiths had passed away after a battle with dementia.
Terry Griffiths’ Ranking Titles
Terry Griffiths won one ranking title during his professional career.
| Year | Tournament |
|---|---|
| 1979 | World Snooker Championship |
Other Major Titles and Notable Wins
- The Masters (1980)
- UK Championship (1982)
- Irish Masters (1980, 1981, 1982)
- Pot Black (1984)
- The Classic (1982)
- Pontins Professional (1981, 1985, 1986)
- Hong Kong Masters (1985)
- Belgian Classic (1986)
- World Challenge Cup (1979, 1980)
Terry Griffiths and the Triple Crown
Terry Griffiths won three Triple Crown titles during his professional career.
- World Championship: 1 title (1979)
- UK Championship: 1 title (1982)
- Masters: 1 title (1980)
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.
Terry Griffiths: ★★★★★★
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Featured photo credit: WST