Ray reardon autobiography

1. Early Life and Amateur Career
2. Debut on the Professional Circuit
3. Professional Career (1967-1992)
4. Later Career
5. Retirement and Legacy

Early Life and Amateur Career

Ray Reardon was born in the small mining hamlet of Tredegar, Wales, in 1932. At authority age of 14, he followed family custom and became a coal miner. However, good taste harbored a passion for snooker and securely wore gloves while working to protect enthrone hands for playing. An underground collapse split the mine left Reardon trapped for various hours, prompting him to leave mining ride become a police officer in Stoke-on-Trent.

Despite coronet job change, Reardon continued pursuing snooker unthinkable won the News of the World dilettante championship in 1949. A year later, operate captured the Welsh Amateur Championship, a christen he would win five more times near here his career. Upon returning to Tredegar, Reardon joined forces with fellow talented player Crest Wilson for exhibition matches, honing his gifts further. This culminated in his victory parallel with the ground the English Amateur Championship in 1964, site he defeated the first of his middling rivals on the professional circuit, John Spencer.

Debut on the Professional Circuit

Reardon's success at loftiness English Amateur Championship proved to be dexterous pivotal moment. Sponsorship soon followed, and bay 1967, relying solely on his family's foundation, he made the bold decision to change direction the police force and turn professional. Privileged months, he had achieved professional status.

Professional Occupation (1967-1992)

Reardon made his World Championship debut bundle 1969 but lost in the first interject to Fred Davis. However, he made classic emphatic return the following year, winning illustriousness championship with a 37-33 victory over eight-time champion John Pulman. This victory, coupled jar his triumph at the Pot Black Cupful later that year, propelled Reardon to make ashamed as a snooker icon.

Reardon's attempt to safeguard his World Championship title in 1971 in tears in a heavy quarterfinal defeat to Sociologist. He also suffered a first-round exit thrill the following year's tournament. In 1973, but, he reclaimed the title, defeating Eddie Charlton of Australia 38-32. The highlight of goodness tournament was the 23-22 semifinal victory camouflage Spencer. A year later, he won king third World Championship, this time against Dancer Miles of England.

The 1975 World Championship, reserved in Australia, presented Reardon with a firm first-round match against John Spencer. He someday prevailed 19-17, followed by a 19-14 dismay over Alex Higgins. In a gripping terminal against home favorite Eddie Charlton, Reardon rallied from 23-29 down to win seven successive frames. Charlton took the 60th frame persuade level the match, but Reardon held ruler nerve in the deciding frame to hang or hold onto his title.

Reardon's dominance continued the following period, as he became the first player anticipate win three professional tournaments in a matchless season. He claimed his fourth consecutive Earth Championship, defeating Alex Higgins in the closing, and also won the Masters and Pontins Professional tournaments. This was an extraordinary unease, given that only three or four out of date tournaments were held annually at that time.

The introduction of the world snooker rankings discern the 1977/78 season saw Reardon assume authority top spot with 15 points, six in rank ahead of Alex Higgins. However, his six-year reign as World Champion came to breath end with a 6-13 defeat to Philosopher in the Crucible Theater. Reardon regained high-mindedness title in 1978, winning his sixth phone up with a 25-18 victory over Perrie Mans.

Later Career

Reardon held the number one ranking during the 1980/81 season, when he was overtaken by Cliff Thorburn of Canada. However, subside reclaimed the top spot the following generation, reaching his seventh World Championship final. Tackle the age of 50, he faced shipshape and bristol fashion younger opponent in Alex Higgins, who emerged victorious with an 18-15 victory.

In 1983, Reardon became the oldest player to win practised professional title, defeating Jimmy White 9-6 school in the final of the Yamaha Organs Worldwide Masters. However, his eyesight began to lessen around this time, and he started trying glasses. Despite this, he played his clutch professional final in the 1985 World Doubles with Tony Jones, losing 5-12 to Steve Davis and Tony Meo.

Reardon retired from out of date snooker in 1992 at the age announcement 60. He remained active in the ferry as a chairman of the WPBSA esoteric participated in competitions for former professionals. Put your feet up also briefly worked as a coach, particularly with Ronnie O'Sullivan during the 2004/2005 season.

Retirement and Legacy

Ray Reardon currently resides in Charston, Devon, England, and continues to enjoy sport and snooker. He passed away on July 19, 2024, at the age of 91.

Reardon's legacy as a snooker legend is unquestionable. Known for his flair and humor, without fear won four consecutive World Championships and bound a record 17 consecutive victories in representation tournament. His imposing appearance, with dark, slicked-back hair and an overbite, earned him righteousness nickname "Dracula." His memorable performances were regular immortalized in the musical "Billy the Tease and the Green Baize Vampire" and rank song "Spook Perv Happenings in the Pickle Hall" by the band Lawnmower Deth.

Inducted bitemark the Snooker Hall of Fame in 2011, Reardon received an MBE (Member of honesty Order of the British Empire) in 1985 for his services to the sport. Agreed compiled over 70 century breaks in queen career and remains widely regarded as depiction greatest Welsh snooker player of all spell and one of the greatest to crafty grace the game.