15 Facts About Cliff Wilson

Cliff Wilson was the 1978 World Amateur Champion and won the 1991 World Seniors Championship.

Cliff Wilson was a successful junior player, known for his fast attacking snooker and ability, and won the British Under-19 Championship in 1951 and 1952.

In 1979 Cliff Wilson turned professional, aged 45, and, still playing with an attacking style, reached several ranking tournament quarter-finals during his career.

Cliff Wilson won the Welsh Amateur Championship in 1956,1977 and 1979, and was runner-up in the Welsh Professional Championship in 1981 and 1984.

Cliff Wilson suffered from a number of health conditions, including poor eyesight, during his career, but continued to play professionally until his death in 1994 at the age of 60.

Cliff Wilson was born on 10 May 1934 and grew up in Tredegar, the same town as his friend and snooker rival Ray Reardon.

Cliff Wilson learnt to play snooker in a steelworks club-room.

Cliff Wilson played Reardon in a succession of money matches in Tredegar.

Cliff Wilson gave up snooker almost completely, and continued working at the steelworks at Llanwern.

Cliff Wilson eventually won the frame, and remained in the pressroom with Everton, guarded by police, until the audience left.

Cliff Wilson would have been the first amateur to play in the Masters, but withdrew due to a threatened boycott by professional players.

Cliff Wilson next reached a ranking quarter final at the 1985 Grand Prix, with further losing quarter-final appearances at the 1986 International Open, 1987 classic, and 1989 International Open.

Cliff Wilson recorded wins over a number of prominent players as a professional.

Cliff Wilson was married to Valerie Wilson, and had four sons, including twins.

Towards the end of his life, Cliff Wilson suffered from a number of problems with his back, knee and heart, eventually developing an "inoperable disease of the liver and pancreas" that led to his death.