Renowned snooker commentator Clive Everton has died at the age of 87. Everton worked for BBC TV for more than 30 years from the 1970s onwards and was a respected broadcaster and journalist. He was founder of the Snooker Scene magazine and edited the publication for 51 years.
The snooker world is mourning the loss of Clive Everton, an iconic figure in the sport, who has died aged 87. Everton, a former player turned broadcaster and journalist, was deeply passionate about snooker, dedicating his life to reporting on its most significant moments throughout an impressive career.
A statement from the World Snooker Tour (WST) said he was "one of snooker's greatest ever commentators and voice of the sport". It added: "Everton devoted his life to snooker and covered some of the sport's most historic moments as a broadcaster and journalist."
Players at the British Open in Cheltenham this week are competing for the Clive Everton Trophy, which was named in his honour two years ago, and a minute's silence will be held before Friday afternoon's session. The WST poignantly added: "The Voice of Snooker is silent now but will forever be remembered by the sport he loved."
His contributions to the sport were recognised with an MBE in 2019, and he was also inducted into the Snooker Hall of Fame. In honour of his influence, the British Open trophy was aptly renamed the 'Clive Everton Trophy' last year. The World Snooker Tour (WST) confirmed his passing, stating: "Clive Everton, one of snooker's greatest ever commentators and voice of the sport, has died at the age of 87," reports the Express.
"The Voice of Snooker is silent now but will forever be remembered by the sport he loved," said commentator and friend Dave Hendon in a post on social media. "A giant of broadcasting and journalism. A much valued colleague and friend. We all owe him so much."
He was the Guardian's snooker correspondent and wrote more than 20 books on cue sports. Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry said his death was "very sad news" and other leading players have posted tributes on social media.
The 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy: “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: “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: “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 have 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 first covered snooker for BBC radio in 1972, when Alex Higgins won his first world title. His network TV commentary career began at the 1978 World Championship, and he worked alongside Ted Lowe and Jack Karnehm in the boom years of the 1980s, before becoming lead commentator in the 1990s. Hendon told WST, external how his friend developed a unique style.
"His commentaries were notable for his crisp, spare, pinpoint use of language, with not a word wasted. He only spoke when necessary," he said. "When he did, it was worth hearing. 'Warning: genius at work,' was how he once summed up a Jimmy White century.
"Ray Reardon six times world champion in the 70s, Steve Davis six times in the 80s, but it's a magnificent seven times for Stephen Hendry in the 90s,' he said as Hendry triumphed in 1999. 'Amazing, astonishing, astounding,' was his summation of Shaun Murphy’s shock capture of the 2005 world title."
As a player, Everton reached the 1975 and 1977 world amateur billiards semi-finals and rose to ninth in the world billiards rankings and 47th in snooker. In a varied career, he has also covered Wimbledon for The Times of India, rugby for the Sunday Telegraph and football for The Times.
Clive Everton was a legendary snooker commentator, journalist and broadcaster. He became widely known as the "voice of snooker" during an illustrious career spanning over five decades — Clive passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 87.
Clive Everton was born in Worcester, England on September 7, 1937. His journey as a snooker commentator began on BBC radio in 1972, when Alex Higgins won his first world title.
In 1978, Clive made his debut for the BBC at the World Championship, remarkably with just 20 minutes' notice. This impromptu start marked the beginning of a 30-year tenure with the BBC, during which he became an integral part of their snooker coverage — but his influence in the game extends far beyond commentary.
Before fully dedicating himself to journalism and commentary, Clive had a notable 10-year career as a snooker player. He won junior national billiards titles as an amateur before becoming a professional snooker player in 1981. Clive reached a career-high ranking of 47th in the world.
He was also a talented tennis player, competing at county level for Worcestershire and playing in Wimbledon qualifiers. Before embarking on his commentating career, Clive worked as a teacher. He graduated from Cardiff University with a BA in English, before marrying his wife Valerie.
Clive then moved to the Midlands where his new father-in-law arranged a teaching job at a college of further education in Halesowen, where he taught English and Liberal Studies. But journalism was what he really wanted to pursue as a career.
Everton's role as a commentator grew significantly in the mid-1990s following the retirement of lead commentators Jack Karnehm and Ted Lowe. It was during this period that he truly became the definitive voice of snooker. His commentary style was characterised by its understated nature, effective use of silence and carefully chosen words, all of which added depth and insight to the matches he covered.
Clive covered some of the biggest moments in the game, including providing commentary for Stephen Hendry's record-breaking seventh world title in 1999. He said: “Ray Reardon six times world champion in the 70s, Steve Davis six times in the 80s, but it’s a magnificent seven times for Stephen Hendry in the 90s.”
Beyond his commentary work, Clive was a prolific journalist and author in the world of snooker. He served as the editor of Snooker Scene magazine for over 50 years. Clive contributed articles to major newspapers such as the Guardian and the Independent on Sunday. The legend also authored and published more than 20 books on cue sports.
Everton's expertise extended beyond his TV appearances for the BBC and written journalism. He was a regular contributor on BBC Radio 5 Live, providing updates for listeners while he commentated at snooker tournaments. After his time with the BBC came to an end, Clive continued to commentate for Sky Sports and later ITV until 2020.
Clive’s contributions to snooker were widely recognised — he was inducted into snooker's Hall of Fame in 2017. He was also awarded an MBE for his services to the sport in 2019. In 2022, the trophy for the British Open was named in his honour.
Clive Everton's impact on snooker extended far beyond his commentary. He was a lover of the game who helped to shape the sport's identity. His deep knowledge, articulate delivery and passion made him “the voice of snooker”.
Everton's commentary provided the soundtrack to some of snooker's most iconic moments, including Stephen Hendry's dominance during the 1990s and the rise of modern greats like Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Williams. His dedication to snooker journalism, particularly through his long-standing editorship of Snooker Scene magazine, helped maintain a comprehensive record of the sport's history and development.
While the exact cause of death has not been stated, Clive had been living with Parkinson's disease in his later years. The disease had prevented him from traveling to tournaments since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Clive’s passing marks the end of an era in snooker broadcasting. His distinctive voice and insightful commentary will be deeply missed by fans and professionals alike. As current commentator David Hendon said: “The Voice of Snooker is silent now but will forever be remembered by the sport he loved.”
