FORMER snooker star Silvino Francisco has died at the age of 78.
The South African reached No. 10 in the world and won the British Open in 1985.
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Silvino Francisco won the British Open in 1985. Credit: Rex
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Francisco was a popular figure on the snooker circuit in the 1980s Credit: Rex
He remains the only African player to ever win a ranking tournament.
Francisco sadly passed away on December 14, and the World Professional Pool and Snooker Association (WPBSA) confirmed the news earlier today.
He was a popular figure in snooker during the 1980s.
His British Open final victory over Kirk Stevens, broadcast on ITV, was watched by 15.5 million fans.
Francisco’s incredible run included victories over Jimmy White, Tony Mea and Alex Higgins.
He retired from snooker in 1997.
That year he was arrested for smuggling cannabis with a street value of £155,000 through Dover.
After that, he was sentenced to three years in prison.
After splitting with his previous wife, Francisco was forced to leave their £350,000 home.
In order to earn extra money, he worked at a friend’s fish and chips shop in the evenings.
Francisco comes from a fine family of cueists.
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His nephew Peter also became a professional snooker player, reaching the top 16 in the world.
While brother Manny was a top pool player.
The World Snooker Tour paid tribute to Francisco.
They wrote on social media: “Silvino Francisco, former world number 10 and the only African player to win a ranking tournament, sadly passed away this month at the age of 78.
“WST and WPBSA extend our sincere condolences to Silvino’s wife June and all his family and friends.”
Many fans have paid tribute to the man they once called “The Silverfish”.
One wrote: “Silvino Francisco. Talented player. 1985 British Open winner. Unfortunately he took a few wrong turns in life but found redemption in the end. God rest him.”
While another posted: “Another loss to the snooker world in 2024. RIP Silvino Francisco.”
Another added: “When he won the British Open in 1985 the peak audience on ITV was 15.5 million, making it the fifth most watched snooker match ever on UK TV. He also got what was then the biggest first prize in history, £50,000.”
Francisco left behind his wife June and beloved grandchildren Enola and Osiris.
In later years, he stayed in England and devoted himself to several charitable initiatives.
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