Barry Hearn pays tribute to the first player he promoted after snooker legend passes away aged 77

BARRY HEARN has paid a heartfelt tribute to snooker legend Terry Griffiths, the first player he promoted.

Griffiths passed away aged 77 on Sunday following a battle with dementia.

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Terry Griffiths passed away on Sunday following a battle with dementia[/caption]

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Barry Hearn has paid tribute to the snooker icon[/caption]

The Welshman enjoyed an illustrious career on the snooker circuit, winning the World Championship at the Crucible in 1979.

He also won the Masters and the UK Championship to complete the sport’s acclaimed ‘Triple Crown’ before moving into coaching.

Griffiths first broke onto the professional snooker scene after being promoted by Hearn almost 50 years ago.

The two quickly struck up a friendship that would go on to last decades.

Hearn took to social media on Monday to pay tribute to the icon.

In a video message, he said: “Well, some sad news today with the passing of Terry Griffiths, 1979 World Snooker Champion.

“But to me, more importantly, he was the first player I ever promoted in terms of events.

“His southern area title against Sid Hood, it’s nearly 50 years ago, wow, what a long time.

“But what a lovely man. I never had a bad day with him, he had a great sense of humour. He never wanted to travel anywhere outside of Llanelli really.

“And all he did was comb his hair all the time! But we loved him.

“A wonderful, wonderful human being. He’s somewhere safe now. He’s had a long illness, but we’re thinking of him in a very special way because he is a very special man.

“See you soon one day, mate.”