Former world snooker champion Ray Reardon has died at the age of 91.

The Welshman, who had previously been diagnosed with cancer, died on Friday evening, his wife Carol said.

Reardon dominated snooker in the 1970s, claiming six world titles between 1970 and 1978.

Nicknamed ‘Dracula’ because of his distinctive widow’s peak hairstyle, he became a star as the game enjoyed a television boom.

He won the first Pot Black series on BBC Two in 1969, and was made an MBE in the 1985 Queen’s Birthday honours.

Reardon retired in 1991 aged 58 and later worked as a consultant for Ronnie O’Sullivan – helping him win the world title in 2004.

In 2016, the trophy awarded to the winner of the Welsh Open was named the Ray Reardon Trophy in his honour.

Fellow Welshman Mark Williams, himself a three-time world champion, led the tributes.

He told the World Snooker Tour: “Ray is one of the best sportspeople ever from Wales, and the best snooker player.

“He’s one of the reasons why a lot of us started playing. He put snooker on the map, alongside Alex Higgins, Jimmy White and Steve Davis.

“Anyone playing now owes them a lot because they brought popularity to the game. He is a real inspiration.”

Six-time World Championship finalist Jimmy White said on social media he was “gutted” at the death of his “close friend”.

He described Reardon as a “class act” and “a giant of the game”, adding: “Rest in peace mate.”

Four-time world champion Mark Selby said Reardon was “a legend” while commentator John Virgo said it was “an honour to have known… a true great of our game”.