Former snooker star Silvino Francisco – who won the 1985 British Open – has died aged 78.
The South African was a widely popular player on the circuit throughout the 1980s and reached number ten in the world rankings at his peak.
To this day, Francisco remains the only African player to have won a ranking event in the sport.
More than 15.5 million viewers tuned in to watch Francisco’s victory over Kirk Stevens in the final of the British Open 39 years ago.
‘Silvino Francisco, a former world number ten and the only African player to win a ranking event, sadly passed away this month at the age of 78,’ a statement from the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association confirmed earlier today.
‘WST and WPBSA extend our sincere condolences to Silvino’s wife June and all of his family and friends.’
More to follow.
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