WILLIE THORNE

THE world of snooker lost one of its finest gentlemen last week when player and commentator Willie Thorne passed away in hospital in Spain. He was 66.

Here are some facts about the bald- headed green baize favourite as our tribute...

WILLIE became national under- 16 champion at snooker in 1970 and turned professional in 1975. DESPITE that early promise, he only ever won one ranking snooker tournament, The Classic in 1985. THE same year, he reached the UK Championship final against Steve Davis.

Willie seemed to have an unassailable 13- 8 lead. But a miss on an easy blue in the final session allowed Davis to take the frame and go on win.

HE peaked at No 7 in the rankings in the mid- 1980s, while also battling a serious gambling problem.

HE bet £ 38,000 on a match involving John Parrott, betting that he’d lose. Parrot came from behind and won. Willie was commentating on the game!

WILLIE first began commentating on snooker for the BBC during the 1980s, and he continued to work on the BBC’s snooker coverage until the end of the 2017/ 18 season. HIS bald head made him instantly recognisable and he was often referred to as the “Homer Simpson of Snooker”.

WILLIE featured in the popular song Snooker Loopy, written and performed by Chas & Dave. In the verse which begins “but old Willie Thorne, his hair’s all gorn”, Thorne’s cameo line was “Perhaps I ought to chalk it”!

IN his personal life, Willie was married to former Miss Great Britain winner Jill Saxby and lived in Broughton Astley, Leicestershire. One of his best mates was Gary Lineker.

HE competed in Series 5 of

Strictly Come Dancing with pro dance partner Erin Boag, before being voted out on October

20, 2007 in 12th place.