Australian Eddie Charlton, who was beaten in the final of the World Championship three times, has died in a New Zealand hospital, aged 75.

A hospital spokesman said Charlton was admitted after he fell ill at the weekend. The World Pool Association (WPA) said he had been unwell for some time and died due to complications following an operation.

WPA president Ian Anderson released a statement paying tribute to Charlton.

"Eddie was still actively playing the game he had loved for so long right to the end," Anderson said on Monday. "Eddie will be best known for his appearances in Pot Black, the most popular (televised) snooker show of all time."

Charlton was one of snooker's highest-profile players, winning the prestigious Pot Black title in Britain three times in the 1970s.

He also won the World Match Play Championship and the World Open Snooker Championship.

Charlton is survived by five children and eight grandchildren.