FORMER Scottish Amateur Snooker champion John Phillips has died, aged 72. John, who was born in Springburn and lived in Possilpark, was national champion no fewer than nine times and West of Scotland champion on eight occasions in the 1960s and 1970s.

Renowned for the quality of his safety play, he represented his country in the World Amateur Championship in Edinburgh in 1970, writes Matthew Lindsay.

Originally a postman, John turned professional when the green baize sport experienced an explosion in popularity in the 1980s.

A well-known figure among many of the modern game's big names, including Stephen Hendry and John Higgins, he played out of the Wee Rangers Club in Edmiston Drive.