Ex-snooker star Silvino Francisco dead at 78: Former British Open champion, who spent three years in jail, dies – as tributes pour in for South African
- Silvino Francisco was one of the most popular and successful players of the 80s
- The South African is the only African-born person to win a snooker ranking title
- Francisco served three years in British prison for smuggling cannabis
Former snooker star Silvino Francisco – who won the British Open in 1985 – has died at the age of 78.
The South African reached a career ranking of No. 10 and is the only African-born player to win a snooker ranking event.
Francisco died on December 14, with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) confirming the news on Saturday.
“WST (World Snooker Tour) and WPBSA extend our sincere condolences to Silvino’s wife June and all his family and friends,” a statement said.
His British Open final victory over Kirk Stevens, broadcast on ITV, drew 15.5 million fans and earned him a then record-breaking prize of £50,000.
‘The Silver Fish’ enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the game, playing in the World Championship at the Crucible for eight consecutive years from 1982 and recording memorable victories over the likes of Jimmy White and Alex Higgins.
However, the latter part of Francisco’s career proved to be a struggle. His world ranking fell to No. 166, he suffered from gambling and took a job in a fish and chip shop to make ends meet.
Francisco was declared bankruptcy in 1996 and retired the following year before being arrested after admitting smuggling cannabis, with a street value of £155,000, through Dover.
Former British Open snooker champion Silvino Francisco has died aged 78
The South African remains the only African-born player to win a snooker ranking event
The sad news comes just weeks after the death of snooker legend Terry Griffiths
Francisco served three years in prison for the crime before staying in England and ordaining himself He was committed to charitable endeavors, especially those that supported disadvantaged young people and promoted the development of the next generation of snooker stars.
Heartfelt tributes poured in for the colorful ’80s star following confirmation of his death.
‘Silvino Francisco. Talented player. British Open Champion 1985. Unfortunately, he took a few wrong turns in life, but eventually found redemption. God rest him,” one fan wrote on X.
‘RIP Silvino Francisco. Thoughts with your family,” another posted.
‘Another loss for the snooker world in 2024. RIP. Silvino Francisco,” read a subsequent message.
The sad news comes just weeks after the death of snooker legend Terry Griffiths, who died aged 77 after a battle with dementia.