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
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Former snooker star Silvino Francisco – who won the 1985 British Open – has died aged 78. The South African reached a career-high rank of No 10 and is the only player born in Africa 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.
![[The South African remains the only player born in Africa to win a snooker ranking event]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/28/17/93542327-14206665-The_South_African_remains_the_only_player_born_in_Africa_to_win_-m-8_1735406944753.jpg)
'WST (World Snooker Tour) and WPBSA extend our sincere condolences to Silvino's wife June and all of his family and friends,' a statement read. His British Open final victory over Kirk Stevens, aired on ITV, saw 15.5million fans tune in and earnt him a then record-breaking prize of £50,000.
![[The sad news comes just weeks after the death of snooker legend Terry Griffiths]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/28/17/93542203-14206665-image-m-5_1735406282909.jpg)
'The Silver Fish' enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the game, playing at World Championship at the Crucible for eight successive years from 1982 and recording memorable wins over the likes of Jimmy White and Alex Higgins. However, the latter part of Francisco's career proved a struggle. His world ranking dropped to No 166, he suffered with gambling and took a job in a fish and chip shop to make ends meet.
Francisco was declared bankrupt 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 at the age of 78.
The South African remains the only player born in Africa 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 offence before remaining in England and dedicating himself to charitable endeavours, particularly those that supported underprivileged youth and promoted the development the next generation of snooker stars.
