Snooker legend Charlton dies at 75
SYDNEY, Australia -- International snooker legend Eddie Charlton has died in New Zealand, aged 75, according to a report carried by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The son of a coalminer, Australian-born Charlton died Monday in Palmerston North Hospital after falling ill during a promotional visit to New Zealand a day earlier, the report said.
World Pool Association president Ian Anderson told the ABC Charlton died due to complications after an operation.
Charlton had been ill for some time.
Nicknamed "Steady Eddie", Charlton was a household name in the 1970s when he was the world's number-three ranked player.
He also won the Benson and Hedges masters championship in 1975 and was a three-time winner of British television's popular "Pot Black" program.
Anderson said Charlton transcended the game.
"I'm sure if you just stopped someone on the street and asked them who was the world champion snooker player, nine out of 10 would still say Eddie Charlton," Anderson said.
"It was one of those names that everybody put to snooker. His story's pretty well known throughout the world."
Charlton is survived by five children.
