'Voice of snooker' Clive Everton dies aged 87 as tributes paid to sport icon

The snooker world has begun to pay tribute to Clive Everton, who has died at the age of 87 after a lengthy career commentating on the sport for BBC TV and radio

Clive Everton, the commentator known as the 'voice of snooker' has died at the age of 87.

Everton enjoyed a playing career in the sport, but became better known for his commentary work. He spent several decades working with the BBC across TV and radio, beginning in 1972.

Commentator David Hendon, a close friend of Everton, confirmed the news on Friday morning. "I have some very sad news. Clive Everton has passed away at the age of 87," he wrote..

"A giant of broadcasting and journalism. A much valued colleague and friend. We all owe him so much. The Voice of Snooker is silent now but will forever be remembered by the sport he loved."

Comedian and author Mark Watson was among those to pay tribute on social media. "Ah what an amazing snooker man," he wrote. "The earliest voice I associate with the game, even before Ted [Lowe]. RIP."

There were also tributes from those who encountered him through work with the BBC. "Clive was excellent in providing copy for the BBC Sport website ("point, par!"), during those early days. A true professional," wrote Saj Chowdhury, who spent more than 20 years with BBC Sport.

"What sad news. His love of snooker always shone through in his work," another tribute read. "How sad. Legend. The voice of snooker for me," wrote another fan of the sport.

"I will never understand the BBC’s decision to let him go," wrote yet another. "Voice of my childhood snooker memories. As much as I loved ‘Whispering’ Ted Lowe, I always felt I learned a huge amount from listening to him- superb timing. RIP, the king of commentators."

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"Clive Everton deserves to be remembered as one of the most significant figures in snooker history," Hendon wrote in an obituary for WST. "He reached a highest world ranking of 47th but it was off the table where he made a vast and varied contribution, primarily as a broadcaster and journalist but also as the trusted conscience of the sport."

An accomplished snooker and billiards player, Everton began working on the BBC's TV coverage of the World Snooker Championships in the late 1970s. He also edited the monthly magazine Snooker Scene until his retirement from the post in 2022.

"As editor of Snooker Scene for 51 years he provided an invaluable chronicle of snooker’s rise from folk sport to a mainstream television attraction, charting the careers of players from boyhood to stardom," Hendon added when reflecting on his friend's life and career. "He forensically examined the governance of the professional game and campaigned for change and transparency."