Renowned Snooker Commentator Clive Everton Passes Away at 87

Clive Everton, the legendary snooker commentator and journalist, has passed away at the age of 87. A familiar voice for snooker fans, Everton worked with BBC TV for over 30 years, covering some of the sport’s most iconic moments. His contributions to the sport extended beyond commentary as he founded *Snooker Scene* magazine, which he edited for an incredible 51 years.

In a statement, the World Snooker Tour (WST) paid tribute to Everton, calling him “one of snooker’s greatest ever commentators and voice of the sport.” The WST acknowledged his lifelong dedication to the game, having witnessed and narrated snooker’s historical events as both a broadcaster and a journalist.

Players at the British Open in Cheltenham this week are competing for the Clive Everton Trophy, named in his honour two years ago. Dave Hendon, a fellow commentator and friend, noted, “The Voice of Snooker is silent now but will forever be remembered by the sport he loved.”

Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry and other snooker greats, including Shaun Murphy, Dennis Taylor, and Neil Robertson, have expressed their sadness and paid heartfelt tributes to Everton. Murphy remarked on the poetic timing of Everton’s passing, as players now vie for a trophy bearing his name. Neil Robertson reflected on the significance of having Everton commentate on his early matches, describing it as a pivotal moment in his career.

Everton’s snooker commentary career began in 1978, and he worked alongside legends such as Ted Lowe and Jack Karnehm. Known for his precise and minimalistic commentary style, he became the lead commentator in the 1990s, immortalizing moments like Stephen Hendry’s seventh world title victory in 1999 and Shaun Murphy’s surprise 2005 world championship win.

Aside from his broadcasting career, Everton was also an accomplished player, reaching the world amateur billiards semi-finals twice and ranking ninth in the world in billiards. His versatile career saw him cover a wide array of sports, from Wimbledon to rugby and football, and he even managed world squash number one Jonah Barrington.

Everton’s passing marks the end of an era for snooker, but his legacy as the “Voice of Snooker” and a true pioneer in the sport’s broadcasting will endure.