Six-time world snooker champion Ray Reardon left £401k in his will for wife after death aged 91 following cancer battle
SNOOKER legend Ray Reardon left nearly half a million pounds to his wife after battling cancer.
Reardon, a former Welsh miner, won the World Snooker title a total of six times during the 1970s when he dominated the sport.
He was one of the game's most popular and charismatic players, known as 'Dracula' due to his distinctive hairstyle.
It has been revealed that the 91-year-old left £401,000 in his will to partner, Carol.
The couple were married for 37 years and the relationship signified Ray's second marriage.
Reardon had two children with his first wife, Sue.
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When Reardon received an MBE in 1985, the happy pair could be seen posing outside Buckingham Palace.
The six-time world snooker champion died after a battle with cancer last July.
Tributes poured in for the Welshman who became the first player to be ranked world number one when rankings were introduced in 1976.
Fellow snooker great Ronnie O’Sullivan credited for transforming his game after the veteran took The Rocket under his wing and offered to mentor him.
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Ronnie said: “I knew I needed something you know and I kind of felt my game was good but I was always thirsty to see if somebody could make me in to a better player.
“Ray Reardon was that guy and my dad made that phone call and within 24 hours of making a phone call, Ray was up in Sheffield, we met and from then on we had this unbelievable relationship.”
Following his death last year legendary player Jimmy White, said: “Gutted to hear my very good friend Ray Reardon has passed away. A total class act and very kind to me when I was making my way in the game. A giant of the game. Rest in Peace mate.”
BBC commentator and former pro John Virgo wrote: "Sad news. Ray Reardon passed away last night, it was an honour to have known him, a true great of our game RIP.
Countryman and three-time champion Mark Williams said: "Ray is one of the best sports people ever from Wales and the best snooker player."
He held the top spot for five years before gaining it back after just a year in 1982.
Aged 45, he also held the record for the oldest winner of the championships after winning in 1978.
In 1949, Reardon was awarded an ash cue for winning the News of the World Amateur title.
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He went on to use the cue for 30 years.
The cue came apart shortly after the 1978 final, when he beat Perrie Mans.
