Clive Everton, the esteemed snooker commentator, has passed away at the age of 87. A significant figure in the world of snooker, Everton worked for BBC TV for over 30 years, beginning in the 1970s, and was known for his respected voice in broadcasting and journalism.
As the founder and editor of Snooker Scene magazine, Everton dedicated 51 years to the publication, becoming a prominent voice in the sport. The World Snooker Tour (WST) released a statement honoring him as “one of snooker’s greatest ever commentators and voice of the sport,” adding that he “devoted his life to snooker and covered some of the sport’s most historic moments as a broadcaster and journalist.”
In remembrance of Everton, players at this week’s British Open in Cheltenham will compete for the Clive Everton Trophy, established in his honor two years ago. A minute’s silence is set to take place before Friday afternoon’s session.
Commentator and friend Dave Hendon reflected on Everton’s impact, stating, “The Voice of Snooker is silent now but will forever be remembered by the sport he loved. A giant of broadcasting and journalism. A much valued colleague and friend. We all owe him so much.”
Everton was the snooker correspondent for The Guardian and authored more than 20 books on cue sports. Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry expressed his sorrow, calling the news “very sad.” Shaun Murphy, the 2005 world champion, added, “Sad to hear of the passing of snooker broadcasting royalty Clive Everton. Amazing twist of irony that players are competing this week for a trophy named in his honour. Impeccable timing until the end. Rest in peace Clive.”
Dennis Taylor, who won the world title in 1985, also mourned the loss, saying, “So sad to hear of the passing of Clive Everton. A wonderful commentator and was a pleasure to work with for so many years. Condolences to all his family. RIP.”
Neil Robertson, the 2010 world champion, shared his heartfelt sentiments: “So sad. A voice I had heard many times from when I used to get video tapes of snooker sent to Australia as a kid. Meeting and having him commentate on my first televised matches meant so much. It made me feel part of the snooker family. Clive, I’m sure, was an inspiration to many of the great commentators we have today and warmed the hearts of millions watching at home. RIP.”
Everton began his snooker commentary career for BBC radio in 1972, covering Alex Higgins’ first world title. His television commentary debuted at the 1978 World Championship, where he worked alongside notable figures such as Ted Lowe and Jack Karnehm during the sport’s boom years in the 1980s.
Hendon noted Everton’s unique commentary style: “His commentaries were notable for his crisp, spare, pinpoint use of language, with not a word wasted. He only spoke when necessary. When he did, it was worth hearing.” He recalled Everton’s memorable quotes, such as “Warning: genius at work,” when commenting on a Jimmy White century.
As a player, Everton reached the semi-finals of the world amateur billiards championship in 1975 and 1977 and achieved a ranking of ninth in world billiards and 47th in snooker. His career also included coverage of Wimbledon for The Times of India, rugby for the Sunday Telegraph, and football for The Times. Additionally, he played tennis for Worcestershire for 13 years until 1974 and co-authored a book with Ann Jones after her 1969 Wimbledon triumph. Everton also managed Jonah Barrington when he was the world squash number one.
