Willie Thorne

William Joseph Thorne (4 March 1954 – 17 June 2020) was an English professional snooker player. He won the 1985 Classic, his only ranking title. He lost 16–14 to Steve Davis in the final of the 1985 UK Championship. His nickname was "Mr Maximum."[1] After retiring as a player, Thorne became a snooker commentator, working for the BBC. He was born in Leicester, England.

In March 2020, Thorne was diagnosed with leukaemia.[2] On 16 June 2020, he was placed in an induced coma after suffering from respiratory failure.[3] He died the next day at a hospital in Torrevieja, Spain, from sepsis caused by the cancer. He was 66.[4]

References

  1. Bower, Aaron (17 June 2020). "Willie Thorne, former snooker player, dies aged 66 after illness". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  2. "Willie Thorne to undergo chemotherapy treatment for leukaemia". BBC. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  3. "Willie Thorne: Former snooker star placed into induced coma in Spain". BBC. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  4. Ouzia, Malik (17 June 2020). "Willie Thorne dead: Snooker legend passes away, aged 66". EveningStandard. Retrieved 17 June 2020.