Mark Wildman dead at 88: Snooker mourns as first player to make televised century break and two-sport star passes away
MARK WILDMAN has died at the age of 88.
The snooker legend, who was the first player to produce a televised century break, passed away on Monday after a long battle with illness.
Wildman had a long career in both billiards and snooker, and even went on to be chairman of the WPBSA in his later life.
Born in 1936, Wildman was known for his exceptional billiards ability as a youngster.
The star won the British U16 billiards championship in 1951, and the British U19 title in 1952 and 1953.
While on a senior level he was crowned the English Amateur Billiards Champion in 1968, beating iconic Snooker commentator Clive Everton in the final.
But it was his 1984 Billiards World Championship victory that will be remembered as he greatest moment in the sport.
Wildman was just as impressive at snooker from a young age and throughout his adult life.
He won a number of junior championships as a kid before turning professional in 1979.
Impressively, some 19 years before turning pro, Wildman became the first player to ever make a televised century break.
As a professional Wildman made it to the last 16 of the UK Championship and also managed to play at the Crucible.
Wildman retired from the game in 1991, but didn’t leave the sport altogether.
He became a well-known snooker commentator during the 80’s and 90’s, acting as the voice of the sport for broadcasters like ITV, Sky and Eurosport.
Wildman, who had been living in Spain in recent years, was described as an “outstanding snooker and billiards player” in a statement confirming his passing by the WST and WPSBA.
While former World Champion Ken Doherty paid tribute to the legend in the same statement by the governing bodies.
He said: “I remember listening to Mark commentate when I was a kid, he had a beautiful voice, he was so eloquent and his delivery was always perfect.
“He had a great love of snooker and billiards and he knew the games inside out. He engaged in every part of the sport including coaching. He will be sadly missed.”