FORMER snooker star Silvino Francisco has died aged 78.
The South African reached world No10 and won the British Open in 1985.
He remains the only African player to have ever won a ranking event.
Francisco sadly died on December 14, with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) confirming the news earlier today.
He was a popular figure in snooker during the 1980s.
His British Open final victory over Kirk Stevens, aired on ITV, saw 15.5million fans tune in.
Francisco’s incredible run included wins over the likes of Jimmy White, Tony Meo and Alex Higgins.
He went on to retire from snooker in 1997.
That year, he was arrested for smuggling cannabis with a street value of £155,000 through Dover.
He was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison.
Following his split from his previous wife, Francisco was forced to give up their £350,000 home.
To make extra cash, he worked at a friend’s fish and chips shop in the evenings.
Francisco comes from a fine family of cueists.
His nephew Peter also became a professional snooker player, reaching the world’s top 16.
While brother Manny was a top billiards player.
The World Snooker Tour have paid tribute to Francisco.
They wrote on social media: “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.
“WST and WPBSA extend our sincere condolences to Silvino’s wife June and all of his family and friends.”
Plenty of fans have paid tribute to the man once dubbed “The Silver Fish”.
One wrote: “Silvino Francisco. Talented player. British Open Champion 1985. Sadly he took a few wrong turns in life, but eventually found redemption. God rest him.”
While a second posted: “Another loss to the snooker world in 2024. R.I.P. Silvino Francisco.”
Another added: “When he won the 1985 British Open the peak viewing audience on ITV was 15.5m, making it the fifth most watched snooker match ever on UK TV. He also received what was then the highest ever first prize, £50,000.”
Francisco is survived by his wife June and beloved grandchildren Enola and Osiris.
He resided in England in his later years, and devoted himself to several charitable initiatives.
