Terry Griffiths receives an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours

Matchroom owner and ex- world champion Terry Griffiths was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours announced on Saturday 16th June, 2007. The honour was awarded in recognition of Terry's services to the sport of snooker.

Following a very successful amateur career, Terry turned professional in 1978 and won the World Championships in his first full year on tour (April, 1979). Ever present in the top 16 in the world for the next 18 years, he would go on to win all the top events the game had to offer, including the Masters, the Irish Masters and the UK Championship.

Retiring from full time snooker in 1997, Terry moved in to snooker administration and then into coaching - setting up Junior academies throughout the UK in his role as the Director of Coaching for the WPBSA.

Terry continued with his coaching and was fortunate enough to work with such great players as Stephen Hendry and Mark Williams. More recently he has been instrumental in setting up the EBSA Coaching Foundation. This foundation, under the banner of the European Billiards and Snooker Association, helps to train coaches from all over Europe.

In 1987 Terry opened up the Terry Griffiths Matchroom. This was his commitment to remain in the area where he had lived his whole life. In the past 20 years, thousands of snooker players have enjoyed the Matchroom's hospitality and it is widely recognised as one of the best snooker clubs in the country. Through his club he has forged links with the local council and local schools in an attempt to make his beloved sport as accessible as possible.

Terry was over the moon with his award:

"It is a great honour and I have not stopped smiling since I found out about it.

"I feel very proud for myself, my family and for my sport and I look forward to spending what I am sure will be a memorable day in London, with my wife Annette later this year".

Terry's son and Matchroom manager Wayne was also very pleased for his father:

"The whole family are very proud. Dad has dedicated much of his life to snooker and it is great to see him getting recognition for his commitment to the sport".