His respect for Ray Reardon this is the first interview he gave with interest and not laid back as usual. very alert and very articulate . good luck Mark
I'm Australian, saw Ray win the 1975 world championship here against Eddy Charlton. One of the greatest weeks of my life, seeing him do that. He was a massive inspiration to snooker players all over the world. Read his autobiography, too. I do hope they put up a statue of him somewhere prominent in Cardiff, so tourists will see it as well as locals. Wales has every right to be eternally proud of him. He was a great player, a terrific person (I met him briefly after he won that final, and he was just lovely), and generous as a coach. There's no doubt that Ronnie's game went up several notches after he consulted Ray. R.I.P., Mr Reardon.
RIP Mr Reardon..... First watched him on Pot Black in the 1970’s. Phenomenal talent,showman & human being. He will never be equaled !!!!! Condolences from all your fans😔🇦🇺
Rip Mr. Reardon, the count, Dracula, Ray. Phenomenally talented, a pure joy to see, whatever he was doing, his skillful wisdom, sunny demeanor, love for the game, for people, will never be forgotten. A true inspiration to us all, thank you for the laughs and the lessons Ray
Ray was perfectly capable of big breaks but he didn't need them because he was such a genius at tactical play, especially laying and getting out of snookers; he would think nothing of playing on needing 4 or even 5 snookers - when no one would bother going on in today's game - and would often get them! He will be much missed and this is an appropriate and honourable tribute from his great friend and compatriot. RIP Ray.
Very recently, just a couple of months ago, it was reported that he knocked in a century break, (mentioned near the end of this video tribute) An absolute legend and the world is a poorer place without him in it, R.I.P Ray 👍
Spot on Mark.. Ray was one of a kind and of his time.. A great entertainer and showman. I had the pleasure of seeing him play in an exhibition event in Swansea, Doug Mountjoy was there also..! Showing my age now… Had the great pleasure to see and watch Cliff Wilson play at Caldicot Labour club and the Severn View club.. What a talent he was, such a natural.. Like Mark said, if they had been Rugby/Football players, they would have been more celebrated.. RIP Ray, Cliff and Doug..
Ray Reardon was an absolute legend of the game and the ultimate gentleman of snooker. One of the original greats, a true character of the sport and an unbelievable champion. Absolutely gutted to find this out as he was a sporting hero of mine. Such a brilliant and ferocious competitor who has inspired so many players and fans alike. Beautifully put from Williams here. RIP Dracula ❤ 🏴
Ray's tactical astuteness was second to none. I love watching old footage of him - can really help you develop your safety game. Brilliant gentleman. Fantastic to count his name among the top snooker players of all time.
Met Ray at a Holimarine Holiday Camp at Paignton in 1990, He did an exhibition & what a lovely Bloke, So many layers to his guy's Character. Godspeed Ray.
Ray was before my time, but I watched a video of him playing, and he openly smiled and happy to see his opponent winning in such good form. I've never seen anyone else be so appreciative of a good game. A class act, never forgotten.
We will miss ray- a funny moment i must share i remember watching him on tv when a women in front row had a coughing fit and ray gave her a glass of water! Such a nice chap so genuine and well loved❤
When I started playing snooker back in early 80's, I learnt everything from Ray's instruction book. It was simple, straight forward and very easy to understand. A great great book from a master.
Says a lot that Ray’s sad passing was acknowledged on about half a dozen front pages today. Remarkable for someone who retired decades ago and whose best performances possibly weren’t even broadcast. RIP Ray - legend and a gentleman.
A great player and icon to the sport. Best wishes to his family and everyone in the snooker community. Enough can’t be said. He will be greatly missed.
there are some people in there chosen sports that that stand out not only because there so good but others like ray Reardon stand out for being a truly wonderful human being and wonderful champion . what a player and what a man . 🙏
I remember meeting Ray in butlins when I was a kid always stuck in my head highly underrated. Now a lot older I pay respect to a legend. Think he would have made a great James Bond.👍
Ray Reardon was the best snooker PR, always cheerful, approachable and, by all accounts, a genuinely kind and time-giving man in his later years in quite selfless mode. A real credit to snooker and Wales.
Inspired me since I started playing at 19 , met him a few times always asked how things welsh snooker players where going become a friend over the years to many what player he was. R.i.p. Ray.
While having a small-size table to play on at home,the first snooker I watched on television was Pot Black in 1972,with family as a 7-year-old,so the first players I got to know about were the ones I saw then: Ray Reardon,John Spencer,Fred Davis,John Pulman,Rex Williams and Eddie Charlton.
Ray was the one that took the game out of the smoky rowdy clubs into the quiet, serene, and competitive arenas. Thereby building a platform for the modern game by winning 6 worlds. That's enough to qualify as a legend.
My grandfather was from Tredegare and all the good welsh players were hero`s He was a good player himself, beating a few pro`s in his time. But Ray was the best of the best, TG was a close second. RIP Mr Reardon.
In the pot black days, I used to look forward to either Ray Reardon or Alex Higgins competing. The popularity of modern day snooker owes a lot to this pair.
If it wasn't for Ray the Rocket Ronnie wouldn't have won 7 world titles he lifted Ronnie to great height's what a fantastic ambassador to have in your corner. Respect always Sir Reardon you completed snooker r.i.p ❤
100% true. It was only after working with Ray that Ronnie become the beast that he is. Ray taught Ronnie how to really love the battle and safety side of things.
Reardon the best all-round player of all-time. Consistency, temperament, potting, safety, creativity, longevity, tactical, mental strength, popularity etc.....Reardon had no weak links in his game The only one who has ever had it all.
I agree with Mark that Ray Reardon doesn't get enough recognition, but the same could be said of several players of his generation. It's easy to mock the standard of play back in the '60s and '70s, but when you consider how slow the tables were and that the whole sport was nothing like as developed as today, they were wonderful snooker players. How easy it is today for young kids getting into the sport to learn; all they need do is look at a match on RUclips on their phones and pick up loads of tips. Back then it was so much harder to improve because you had no access to such aids to better yourself. I first became aware of snooker in the late '70s and Ray Reardon was as good as it got. I still love it 40 years on and a big part of that is down to him. A legend of the sport and by all accounts a lovely man. He will be missed.
You're right. Conditions for break-building were somewhat tougher on those coarser cloths. Back then in our area, we had to buy books by Reardon, Spencer, Charlton, & others in order to learn how to play the game because there was no internet, & no professional-level coaches available. But because we were keen, it quickly became very competitive, culminating in a large group of us who pushed each other to reach higher levels. Kids who want to learn these days are blessed. For the dedicated player - everything he needs to know about the game is on the internet
@@kufujitsu they're blessed with resources for sure, but finding a snooker table isn't nearly as easy as it was even ten years ago, nor is finding the disposable cash to rent it out for a couple of hours.
@@nickstone1587 Different culture these days to be sure, fewer accessible snooker rooms for the general public, & far fewer decent level players. When I first started, there was no shortage of good players to watch & learn from. In many areas, the game is dead at the grass roots level.
I don't think a finer word can be said about Ray - the game may have changed a bit over the years but always pay respect to the masters of yesteryear. RIP Ray
I adore Mark Williams, but we must bow to Reardon as being the best snooker player from Wales. He had to wait until he was 37 before he was able to quit the day job and turn pro. He won the first of his 6 world titles a year later, aged 38! To put that into context, Hendry won all 7 of his world titles by the time he was 29! Until Williams wins 3 more world titles, the title of Wales's greatest snooker player remains with Mr. Ray Reardon. Rest in peace, Mr. Reardon, Sir.
Henry won his 7th aged 30. I agreed with you (and so did Williams on this video anyway) until you started bringing up ages. Snooker doesn't need to be a young man's game like other sports. You gave 1 example of a snooker player who got worse with age but most snooker players get better with age as you don't have to be physically fit there's no running but you obviously learn more the more games you've played. It's why some players never won anything for ages and then they start winning ranking titles in their 40's etc...the fact that players used to smoke and drink beer whilst playing their games tells you a lot.
Ray Rear Don was undoubtedly a very gifted Player and a very funny and warm personality. He achieved so much in Snooker and Mark is right he doesn't get enough recognition, he is one of the Greats along side Davis, Henry, O'Sullivan, Higgins , Williams, Trump and Robertson. love how humble Mark is, I know Ronnie and a John have achieved more in the game but Mark is still up there with the greats. Mark is my favourite player, fabulous talent and great guy xx
Mark always plays himself down. He is a true legend and so is Ray.
You can't really mourn about Ray because he just made people smile. It is about celebrating his life.
Mark is such a class act, brilliant and humble, love his respect for Ray.
Love Mark , he is so down to earth.
RIP Ray 😢
Yeah he’s very likeable.
Rip legend ♥️
I am so proud that Wales produced such great players as Ray and Mark and also Terry, Doug, and Cliff.
His respect for Ray Reardon this is the first interview he gave with interest and not laid back as usual. very alert and very articulate . good luck Mark
I'm Australian, saw Ray win the 1975 world championship here against Eddy Charlton. One of the greatest weeks of my life, seeing him do that. He was a massive inspiration to snooker players all over the world. Read his autobiography, too. I do hope they put up a statue of him somewhere prominent in Cardiff, so tourists will see it as well as locals. Wales has every right to be eternally proud of him. He was a great player, a terrific person (I met him briefly after he won that final, and he was just lovely), and generous as a coach. There's no doubt that Ronnie's game went up several notches after he consulted Ray. R.I.P., Mr Reardon.
100 break at 91 ,incredible,RIP you certainly won’t be forgotten
RIP Mr Reardon.....
First watched him on Pot Black in the 1970’s.
Phenomenal talent,showman & human being.
He will never be equaled !!!!!
Condolences from all your fans😔🇦🇺
Rip Mr. Reardon, the count, Dracula, Ray. Phenomenally talented, a pure joy to see, whatever he was doing, his skillful wisdom, sunny demeanor, love for the game, for people, will never be forgotten. A true inspiration to us all, thank you for the laughs and the lessons Ray
RIP Mr Reardon dominated the sport for many years
Two of the greatest snooker players to come from Wales. RIP Ray Reardon your laugh was infectious.
RIP Ray, grew up watching you. Always came across as a true gentleman full of character. You will be greatly missed!
RIP Mr. Reardon, he was well before my time but what a legend in the sport.
I had the pleasure of playing a frame with Ray back in '93. Such a legend of the game. RIP Ray.
One of a few that actually smiled when gettng a wolloping (not often) out of sheer appreciation only.
Legend.
Class interview Mark.. we all watched Ray when he was the man of the moment.. RIP Ray Reardon
Ray was perfectly capable of big breaks but he didn't need them because he was such a genius at tactical play, especially laying and getting out of snookers; he would think nothing of playing on needing 4 or even 5 snookers - when no one would bother going on in today's game - and would often get them! He will be much missed and this is an appropriate and honourable tribute from his great friend and compatriot. RIP Ray.
Very recently, just a couple of months ago, it was reported that he knocked in a century break, (mentioned near the end of this video tribute) An absolute legend and the world is a poorer place without him in it, R.I.P Ray 👍
😢RIP Ray Reardon
@@petergreen5337RIP 🙏
Spot on Mark.. Ray was one of a kind and of his time.. A great entertainer and showman. I had the pleasure of seeing him play in an exhibition event in Swansea, Doug Mountjoy was there also..! Showing my age now… Had the great pleasure to see and watch Cliff Wilson play at Caldicot Labour club and the Severn View club.. What a talent he was, such a natural.. Like Mark said, if they had been Rugby/Football players, they would have been more celebrated.. RIP Ray, Cliff and Doug..
A great man all round and a super character another old ,school gem has left us sadly .
I just heard. Rest in Peace, Ray. You were first class and a real gentleman.
Great interview Mark!!
RIP Ray Reardon. You're a legend.
Ray Reardon was an absolute legend of the game and the ultimate gentleman of snooker. One of the original greats, a true character of the sport and an unbelievable champion.
Absolutely gutted to find this out as he was a sporting hero of mine. Such a brilliant and ferocious competitor who has inspired so many players and fans alike. Beautifully put from Williams here. RIP Dracula ❤ 🏴
Top man top player a legend of his time-RIP Ray.
RIP Ray Reardon snooker legend and a great human being
Ray's tactical astuteness was second to none. I love watching old footage of him - can really help you develop your safety game. Brilliant gentleman. Fantastic to count his name among the top snooker players of all time.
Great tribute about an all time great from another Welsh all time great. ❤
Superb tribute to Ray Reardon from Mark Williams. R I P Dracula.
Met Ray at a Holimarine Holiday Camp at Paignton in 1990, He did an exhibition & what a lovely Bloke, So many layers to his guy's Character.
Godspeed Ray.
He was one of them people i loved listening to because you always learnt something when he spoke. They dont make them like him anymore sadly
Making a century break a few weeks after his 91st birthday is just incredible. There's hope for me yet!
Sound guy Mark, RIP Ray
Mark Williams as honest as ever , quality guy, RIP Ray
I don't ever comment on anything. But Reardon can only be described as a legend. A class act.
Ray was before my time, but I watched a video of him playing, and he openly smiled and happy to see his opponent winning in such good form. I've never seen anyone else be so appreciative of a good game. A class act, never forgotten.
When Alex beat Ray for the '82 Championship, Ray couldn't have looked happier for him.
Played Ray at butlins many years ago in bognor regis, never forget it
Sad to hear ray reidon has passed i love watching him with my dad many years ago my dad died in 1991 and I absolutely love snooker RIP
RIP the great Ray Reardon, made a century break aged 91, surely that has to be a record!
A great tribute from a great man for a great man
A wonderful tribute Mark. RIP Ray.
RIP Ray Reardon. You were world champion at the Crucible in the year I was born. 😢 Snooker legend.
We will miss ray- a funny moment i must share i remember watching him on tv when a women in front row had a coughing fit and ray gave her a glass of water! Such a nice chap so genuine and well loved❤
What a great gentleman, great player and to make a joke about the game rip 😢❤.
When I started playing snooker back in early 80's, I learnt everything from Ray's instruction book. It was simple, straight forward and very easy to understand. A great great book from a master.
really seemed like a beautiful soul did Ray. Very likeable. and clearly one of the brilliant minds of snooker
Rip Ray, thanks for the ass kicking you gave me 40 years ago with that lovely 94 break..
Unforgettable player, Ray (Dracula) will ever be... RIP!
Says a lot that Ray’s sad passing was acknowledged on about half a dozen front pages today. Remarkable for someone who retired decades ago and whose best performances possibly weren’t even broadcast.
RIP Ray - legend and a gentleman.
A great player and icon to the sport. Best wishes to his family and everyone in the snooker community. Enough can’t be said. He will be greatly missed.
there are some people in there chosen sports that that stand out not only because there so good but others like ray Reardon stand out for being a truly wonderful human being and wonderful champion . what a player and what a man . 🙏
I remember meeting Ray in butlins when I was a kid always stuck in my head highly underrated.
Now a lot older I pay respect to a legend.
Think he would have made a great James Bond.👍
A Legend leaves us...RIP Ray
I saw Ray play an exhibition at butlins in Bognor Regis in the 80’s real gentleman will be missed
Memory eternal ✝️
Nice words about an absolute legend 👏
Ray Reardon was the best snooker PR, always cheerful, approachable and, by all accounts, a genuinely kind and time-giving man in his later years in quite selfless mode. A real credit to snooker and Wales.
Inspired me since I started playing at 19 , met him a few times always asked how things welsh snooker players where going become a friend over the years to many what player he was. R.i.p. Ray.
Even though he was before my time I know he is one of the greatest players of all time. R.I.P Ray.
Wonderful player, even greater man. A true, old-school gent
Sad to hear passing of ray wat a pleasure he was to watch on t.v.
Nicely put Mark. Glad you said about Ray and Alex putting snooker on the map, I think their contrasting styles only added to that.
Amazing gentleman and a great snooker player. Rest in peace Dracula!
I remember watching Ray on tv at the crucible always a gentleman, and was such a great player will be deeply missed. RIP Ray ❤
While having a small-size table to play on at home,the first snooker I watched on television was Pot Black in 1972,with family as a 7-year-old,so the first players I got to know about were the ones I saw then: Ray Reardon,John Spencer,Fred Davis,John Pulman,Rex Williams and Eddie Charlton.
Nice words and clear to see the respect he had for Ray. RIP God Bless
Amazing man and a pure gent …let alone being a Beast Snooker player…Rip Sir 🍻👍
R.i.p. to the grandfather of snooker ❤😊
Ray was the one that took the game out of the smoky rowdy clubs into the quiet, serene, and competitive arenas. Thereby building a platform for the modern game by winning 6 worlds. That's enough to qualify as a legend.
Rest in peace Ray loved watching you around table so much class 👍
To me Ray was the greatest. His problem was he played before social media and non stop tv coverage.
R.I.P Ray
Ray Reardon (RIP)
RIP: My childhood hero
Rip Raymond Reardon, you will be missed
One of the greats
My grandfather was from Tredegare and all the good welsh players were hero`s
He was a good player himself, beating a few pro`s in his time.
But Ray was the best of the best, TG was a close second.
RIP Mr Reardon.
In the pot black days, I used to look forward to either Ray Reardon or Alex Higgins competing. The popularity of modern day snooker owes a lot to this pair.
great tribute
Rest in peace beautiful man.
If it wasn't for Ray the Rocket Ronnie wouldn't have won 7 world titles he lifted Ronnie to great height's what a fantastic ambassador to have in your corner.
Respect always Sir Reardon you completed snooker r.i.p ❤
100% true. It was only after working with Ray that Ronnie become the beast that he is. Ray taught Ronnie how to really love the battle and safety side of things.
@lukebarton5075
Ray 'I'm going to make you impregnable'
Ronnie 'what does that mean'
Ray 'unbeatable'
What a coach ❤
Reardon the best all-round player of all-time. Consistency, temperament, potting, safety, creativity, longevity, tactical, mental strength, popularity etc.....Reardon had no weak links in his game
The only one who has ever had it all.
Century break at 89, legend
I saw Ray at pontins when I was a kid.... ❤🙏
I agree with Mark that Ray Reardon doesn't get enough recognition, but the same could be said of several players of his generation. It's easy to mock the standard of play back in the '60s and '70s, but when you consider how slow the tables were and that the whole sport was nothing like as developed as today, they were wonderful snooker players. How easy it is today for young kids getting into the sport to learn; all they need do is look at a match on RUclips on their phones and pick up loads of tips. Back then it was so much harder to improve because you had no access to such aids to better yourself. I first became aware of snooker in the late '70s and Ray Reardon was as good as it got. I still love it 40 years on and a big part of that is down to him. A legend of the sport and by all accounts a lovely man. He will be missed.
You're right. Conditions for break-building were somewhat tougher on those coarser cloths.
Back then in our area, we had to buy books by Reardon, Spencer, Charlton, & others in order to learn how to play the game because there was no internet, & no professional-level coaches available. But because we were keen, it quickly became very competitive, culminating in a large group of us who pushed each other to reach higher levels.
Kids who want to learn these days are blessed. For the dedicated player - everything he needs to know about the game is on the internet
@@kufujitsu they're blessed with resources for sure, but finding a snooker table isn't nearly as easy as it was even ten years ago, nor is finding the disposable cash to rent it out for a couple of hours.
@@nickstone1587 Different culture these days to be sure, fewer accessible snooker rooms for the general public, & far fewer decent level players. When I first started, there was no shortage of good players to watch & learn from. In many areas, the game is dead at the grass roots level.
Years bfre his time from what i gather he was unmatchable
Legend❤
RIP Ray❤
I don't think a finer word can be said about Ray - the game may have changed a bit over the years but always pay respect to the masters of yesteryear. RIP Ray
Williams is class
What a great player. Every one liked him.
I adore Mark Williams, but we must bow to Reardon as being the best snooker player from Wales. He had to wait until he was 37 before he was able to quit the day job and turn pro. He won the first of his 6 world titles a year later, aged 38! To put that into context, Hendry won all 7 of his world titles by the time he was 29!
Until Williams wins 3 more world titles, the title of Wales's greatest snooker player remains with Mr. Ray Reardon.
Rest in peace, Mr. Reardon, Sir.
Henry won his 7th aged 30.
I agreed with you (and so did Williams on this video anyway) until you started bringing up ages. Snooker doesn't need to be a young man's game like other sports. You gave 1 example of a snooker player who got worse with age but most snooker players get better with age as you don't have to be physically fit there's no running but you obviously learn more the more games you've played. It's why some players never won anything for ages and then they start winning ranking titles in their 40's etc...the fact that players used to smoke and drink beer whilst playing their games tells you a lot.
Well said, spot on
Great interview!
R.i.p ray mate 🙏
RIP legend😢
Great player Reardon never full when Ray was playing. RIP
Ray Rear Don was undoubtedly a very gifted Player and a very funny and warm personality. He achieved so much in Snooker and Mark is right he doesn't get enough recognition, he is one of the Greats along side Davis, Henry, O'Sullivan, Higgins , Williams, Trump and Robertson. love how humble Mark is, I know Ronnie and a John have achieved more in the game but Mark is still up there with the greats. Mark is my favourite player, fabulous talent and great guy xx
Thanks for the memories Ray a sad loss even at a good age such a great personality, however you certainly would have made a great Dracula in your day
Met Ray at Butlins Minehead in '87 when I was 16, he signed my one piece cue, not before, telling me off for interrupting him😊
Absolute class act, and that's just Ray! Only god knows how he wasn't Sir Ray?
Ray was a true gent.
Met him at my local snooker hall in the late 80's.
RIP to a true legend 💙