Mark Allen has led the tributes to snooker legend Terry Griffiths who has died at the age of 77.

Griffiths won the world title in 1979 after coming through qualifying before beating Dennis Taylor 24-16 in the final. In doing so, he became the second ever qualifier to take the title at the Crucible.

The Welshman's' son Wayne wrote on Facebook: "To our friends and snooker followers in general, we are deeply saddened to share the news of our loss. Terry Griffiths OBE passed away peacefully on 1st December, after a lengthy battle with dementia. He was surrounded by his family in his beloved hometown in South Wales.

READ MORE: Terry Griffiths dies aged 77 as tributes pour in for former world snooker champion

"A proud Welshman, Terry was born in Llanelli, brought pride to Llanelli and now he has found peace in Llanelli. He would not have had it any other way."

A number of sporting stars have paid tribute, including Antrim star Allen who Griffiths previously coached.

Allen said on X: "Terry Griffiths…. What a legend of a man who helped shape my career and life both on and off the table. Absolutely heart broken. He wasn’t just a coach, he was family."

Meanwhile, 2005 World champion Shaun Murphy said: "Just hearing the news that Terry Griffiths has passed away. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones #legend."

John Virgo added: "Very sad news Terry Griffiths has died. It was 45 years ago when we played in the UK final, a lovely man who will be missed. My deepest sympathy to Annette and the boys."

A fine amateur player in his 20s, Griffiths didn't turn pro until the age of 30. One year later, he qualified for the World Championships for the first time and went all the way, beating former world champion Alex Higgins en route to the final, where he overcame Taylor.

Griffiths reached the final of the worlds for a second time in 1988, ultimately losing to Steve Davis. He won a number of other pro and amateur titles in a long and distinguished career, including the Masters in 1980 and the UK Championships in 1982.

Fellow Welshman and three-time world champion Mark Williams was another to pay tribute to Griffiths. He shared photos of the two of them together, captioned: "Mentor, coach, friend, legend."

In a separate post, Williams explained the role Griffiths had on his own snooker career. "RIP, looked after me since playing in his club every sunday since (I) was 12 , what a legend. #thegriff," he wrote.

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