John Pulman in 1979

Pulman, who was world professional champion between 1957 and 1968, was admitted to hospital after breaking his hip in the fall.

The Chairman of the World Snooker Association chairman Rex Williams, said of his friend: "John was a superstar.

"He was a lovely man. A brilliant player, magnificent story-teller and did everything with dignity.

"He was everything you would want in a person to set an example to your sport."

Pulman became a professional snooker player in 1947, joining the elite company of Joe and Fred Davis at London's Leicester Square Hall, managed by Ted Lowe.

After his retirement he continued to grace the game with his unmistakeably mellow tones as a television commentator for the BBC.