The former world top 10 player had been in an induced coma in Spain since Sunday. Gary Lineker said he was 'deeply, deeply saddened at the news'. Lineker said Willie had 'potted his final black much too soon'. He tweeted: "Deeply, deeply saddened to hear that my friend Willie Thorne has passed away. "One of life’s great characters. "A marvellous snooker player and a lovely man, who’s potted his final black much too soon. RIP Willie." More to follow.