Many of snooker's leading players have paid tribute to Clive Everton, snooker's best-respected journalist and commentator who passed away on Friday.
The voice of snooker for many years, Everton dedicated much of his life to the sport and had a huge impact on its development.
Neil Robertson said: "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."
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."
John Higgins: "It is a really sad day for the sport. My first memories of Clive were his voice. It was synonymous with the game. It will be special for whoever lifts the trophy this week with Clive's name on it. He gave his life to the game. You have got to celebrate his life and celebrate what he brought to this great game."
Dominic Dale: "In every sport there are great names and not just the players. Clive was simply one of the biggest names and finest commentators and journalists any sport could wish to boast. I am so lucky to have worked with Clive on a great number of occasions in my earlier days as a commentator. You knew that you would learn a great deal from Clive and you were a fool if you didn't. The sport owes him a terrific debt of gratitude. His tireless work as a journalist and enthusiasm for cue sports generally can never be overstated. I shall never forget the privilege it has been to know him and to learn so much from him. A truly great figure of a truly great sport. May you rest in eternal peace dear Clive."
Ken Doherty: "He had an iconic voice and people hung on every word he said. He was great at building up the drama."
Dennis Taylor: "He was a fantastic person. I first met Clive 58 years ago. I won the British Junior Billiards Championship, and Clive presented the trophy to me and we've known each other since then. Just through and through a snooker person and a wonderful fella."
WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson: “I had the pleasure of knowing Clive over many years. He was a huge personality in the sport and always spoke with such authority. During my tenure he was supportive, encouraging and a friend. It was a great honour to be able to induct him to the World Snooker Hall of Fame in 2017 and it is fitting that this Sunday will see our players contest the trophy that bears his name at the British Open. He will be sadly missed by us all.”
Anthony Hamilton: "RIP Clive. A lovely guy and one of the most important contributors to snooker. Will be sadly missed."
Alain Robidoux: "Clive was Mr Snooker and the best voice in the box along with Ted Lowe. Always had interesting comments and smart explanations of any situation. His snooker knowledge was incredible and a great passion for the game. You will be missed my friend!"
Mark Allen: "Waking up to the news of Clive Everton sadly passing away. Never got to have a proper chat with him but heard nothing but glowing reviews. Rest in peace Clive."
David Grace: "Very sad news about Clive Everton, met him a couple of times at the billiards in Leeds but one of the absolute iconic voices of snooker on TV. Used to love getting Snooker Scene through the post as a kid, he always fought for snooker. Rest in peace Clive."
WST Head of Media Ivan Hirschowitz: "Many of us who work in snooker journalism owe a great debt to Clive because he was a pioneer in the field. As a junior reporter, I remember calling the Snooker Scene landline and being surprised and delighted that the great man himself would answer the phone. On my first trip to the Crucible, he was the only person I knew, but he insisted I sit next to him so he could explain everything that was happening. It was always evident that he loved talking to anyone who shared his passion for snooker. Very few people have had such an important influence on the sport and dedicated a life to snooker's development in the way that Clive did."