FORMER snooker star Silvino Francisco has died aged 78.
The South African reached world No10 and won the British Open in 1985.
He remains the only African player to have ever won a ranking event.
Francisco sadly died on December 14, with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) confirming the news earlier today.
In 1997, he was arrested for smuggling cannabis.
He was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison.
Following his split with his second wife, Francisco was forced to give up their £350,000 home.
To make extra cash, he worked at a friend’s fish and chips shop in the evenings.
Francisco was a popular figure in snooker during the 1980s.
His British Open final victory over Kirk Stevens, aired on ITV, saw 15.5million fans tune in.
Francisco’s incredible run included wins over Jimmy White, Tony Meo and Alex Higgins.
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