Record-Breaking Snooker Player Silvino Francisco, Dies Aged 78

 Record-Breaking Snooker Player Silvino Francisco, 1985 British Open Winner, Dies Aged 78

Former snooker player Silvino Francisco, who made history by winning the 1985 British Open, has passed away at the age of 78 at the time snooker world needs his impact.

The popular South African snooker player was a beloved figure on the snooker circuit throughout the 1980s, reaching a career-high ranking of number 10 in the world. Francisco silvino remains the only African player to have won a ranking event in snooker to date, what a history for himself.

The world at a call when More than 15.5 million viewers watched as Francisco defeated Kirk Stevens in the British Open final 39 years ago, claiming a huge prize of £50,000.

Throughout his career, Francisco earned memorable victories over legendary players and stars like Jimmy White and Alex Higgins. He announced and made mention of his retirement from professional snooker in 1997 what a memorable event to recon.

In a statement released today by (WPBSA), the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association confirmed Francisco’s passing and death news: "Silvino Francisco, former world number ten and the only African player to win a ranking event, sadly passed away this month at the age of 78. WST and WPBSA extend our deepest condolences to Silvino’s wife June, and to all his family and friends and well wishers."

Francisco competed at the Crucible for eight consecutive years starting in 1982, with his final appearance in the 1989 World Professional Snooker Championship.

In the later stages of his career, Francisco was faced with some personal challenges, including struggles with gambling and other street life. He was declared bankrupt in 1996 keeping him down for awhile, just before retiring, and was arrested the following year for attempting to smuggle £155,000 worth of cannabis through Dover out of the country. He was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison.

Following his release, Francisco spent much of his later years living in England with his family, dedicating himself now to helping develop the next generation of snooker players with later paned out well.

Tributes from the snooker community poured in after the WPBSA’s announcement. "RIP Silvino Francisco. Thoughts with your family," wrote one fan on X. Another posted, "Silvino Francisco. Talented player. British Open Champion 1985. Sadly, he took a few wrong turns in life but eventually found redemption. God rest him."

The news of Francisco’s passing comes just weeks after the death of another snooker legend, Terry Griffiths, who died at 77 after a battle with dementia. Griffiths won the World Championship in 1979 as a qualifier and went on to complete a career Triple Crown with victories in the 1980 Masters and the 1982 UK Championship.