British Snooker comentator "Whispering Ted" Lowe's death coincided with the start of the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, prompting a standing ovation led by some of the best-known figures in the sport.

Taylor said: "He had a lovely, lovely voice. To hear his voice and have him commentating on the 1985 final makes it special."

Lowe uttered as many immortal words as any of his peers. Some of his most famous lines were perhaps not his proudest moments.

"And for those of you who are watching in black and white, the pink is next to the green," he told one TV audience.

Another time, as player Fred Davis leaned over the table to strain for a difficult shot, Lowe said: "He is getting on a bit and having trouble getting his leg over."

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Former Brtish boxer Sir Henry Cooper has died, aged 76.

Sir Henry, who was knighted in 2000, is best remembered for two famous clashes with Muhammad Ali in the 1960s.

He floored Ali in the fourth round with 'Enry's Ammer' - his trademark left hook - but Ali eventually won the 1963 non-title fight at Wembley.