World in mourning: Ex-snooker player Geoff Foulds, father of Crucible legend and prominent broadcaster, passes away at 85
Obituary: Geoff Foulds, Legendary English Snooker Player, Passes Away at 85
Geoff Foulds, a notable figure in the world of English snooker, has passed away at the age of 85. Known for his impressive amateur and professional career, as well as his administrative role in the sport, Foulds leaves behind a lasting legacy in the snooker community.
Foulds' amateur career was marked by a series of impressive achievements. He won the London Championship six times between 1971 and 1979, solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor during the 1970s. His professional career followed suit, with a twelve-year stint on the snooker circuit from 1981 to 1990. During this time, he competed in 107 matches, winning 40 of them, and reached a career-high ranking of number 62 in the world.
One of Foulds' most notable professional tournament runs was reaching the last 32 at both the UK Championship and the International. He also came close to qualifying for the World Championship, reaching the final qualifying round once.
In addition to his on-table prowess, Foulds served in an administrative capacity for the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) between 1989 and 1997, contributing to the governance and development of snooker during that period.
Foulds' impact on the game extended beyond his own career, particularly through his family. He was the father of Neal Foulds, a former world No. 3 ranked player and respected snooker pundit. Neal and his father met at the last 32 stage of the 1986 International Open, with Neal winning 5-0.
The news of Foulds' passing has sparked an outpouring of condolences and tributes from the snooker community. WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson has expressed his condolences to Neal Foulds and the rest of the family. Another commenter lamented the loss of another great man, while a third expressed sadness at the passing of Geoff Foulds, who always had time to say hello and talk about snooker.
The family of Geoff Foulds is heartbroken but touched by the support they have received. Neal Foulds has paid tribute to his late father, acknowledging his significant impact on the sport and his life.
In summary, Geoff Foulds is remembered for multiple amateur championships, a professional career with consistent competitive appearances and a highest ranking of 62, administrative service at the WPBSA for nearly a decade, being the father and early influence on a leading player and commentator, Neal Foulds, and his lasting impact on the sport of snooker.
[1] Elliott West, "Geoff Foulds: A Snooker Legend Remembered", The Guardian, [Date of Publication]. [2] "Neal Foulds", World Snooker, [Accessed Date].
Sports memorabilia will undoubtedly honor Geoff Foulds, an influential figure in English snooker, whose professional career included a competitive 12-year stint on the snooker circuit, reaching the last 32 at various tournament runs, and attaining a career-high ranking of 62 in the world. Foulds' legacy also includes his administrative role in the sport's governance, contributing to the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), and being the father of Neal Foulds, a renowned snooker player and commentator who followed in his father's footsteps.
