Terry Griffiths, who has died aged 77 after suffering from dementia, became world snooker champion at his first attempt in 1979, just as the sport was transforming itself from a low-profile activity into a television attraction enjoyed by millions. A rookie pro from Llanelli who was new to TV audiences, he beat four leading players of the day, Perrie Mans, Alex Higgins, Eddie Charlton and Dennis Taylor, to reach the summit of the sport.
Griffiths had only turned professional the previous year, having realised that the game was beginning to provide more opportunities for fame and fortune or, at the least, a chance to earn a congenial living. Although the tournament circuit was not yet fully formed and it was far from easy, at that stage, to obtain the two club exhibition bookings a week at £70 a night that were needed to stay on an even financial keel, he had decided to take the plunge.
