Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths has died at the age of 77 after battling dementia, his family confirmed on Sunday.

Griffiths claimed the world title in 1979 and went on to win the Masters in 1980 and the UK Championship in 1982, to complete the snooker "Triple Crown".

The Welshman remained at the top of his game throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching at least the quarter finals of the World Championships nine years in a row and the final in 1988.

"Terry Griffiths OBE passed away peacefully on 1st December, after a lengthy battle with dementia. He was surrounded by his family in his beloved hometown in South Wales," Griffiths' son Wayne wrote on Facebook.

"A proud Welshman, Terry was born in Llanelli, brought pride to Llanelli and now he has found peace in Llanelli. He would not have had it any other way."

The World Snooker Tour extended condolences to Griffiths' family, labelling him an "all-time snooker great."