Snooker mourns passing of 'Whispering Ted' Lowe

Known affectionately as "Whispering Ted", the legendary snooker commentator Ted Lowe died yesterday, aged 90.

Many admirers of the commentator, known for his hushed tones so as not to distract players as he sat in the audience, paid tribute. "He set a standard for us all," said John Virgo, who had known him for many years. "While cricket had its John Arlott, Wimbledon had its Dan Maskell, we had Ted Lowe. He was one of the BBC greats."

A 50-year career, from 1946, saw Lowe present many of snooker's defining moments, including the 1985 final between Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor. Lowe was also responsible for the Pot Black TV series, which played a major part in raising the game's profile.

Poignantly, the commentator died at the start of the World Championship final. Inside the Crucible in Sheffield, a minute's applause turned into a standing ovation as snooker masters assembled, including Davis and Taylor, Ken Doherty, Willie Thorne, John Virgo and John Parrott.