Perrie Mans dead aged 82: Snooker legend and former Masters champion passes away following illustrious career

PERRIE MANS has died at the age of 82 with many fans paying tribute to the snooker legend.

The South African followed in his father Peter’s footsteps to become a professional snooker player.

GettyPerrie Mans has passed away aged 82[/caption]

The former world No2 was best known for his long powerful shots and fashionable waistcoats.

Mans won the 1979 Masters as he beat Northern Irish superstar Alex Higgins 8-4 in the final at the Wembley Conference Centre in London.

Mans’ other high point in his career was when he finished as runner-up in the 1978 World Championship after losing 18–25 to Ray Reardon at the Crucible.

Fans flocked to social media to pay their respects to the snooker legend.

TV star Richard Osman led tributes, tweeting: “82. Leaving his opponents needing snookers, as so often. Sad news, I saw him play on my very first visit to The Crucible.”

One fan Tweeted: “Sad news R.I.P Perrie .”

A second commented: “A very sad loss in the snooker world. The 1978 World Championship runner-up and 1979 Masters champion has passed away at the age of 82. RIP Perrie Mans.”

A third wrote: “Sad to hear of the death of Perrie Mans, the 1978 World Snooker Championship runner-up.

“One of two Crucible finalists I sadly never got to meet – RIP Perrie.”

Another said: “Sad to hear that Perrie Mans has passed away. He famously won the 1979 Masters with just a high break of 48.

“He also reached the 1978 World Snooker Championship final! RIP Perrie!”

A fifth added: “RIP Perrie Mans. .”