Steve Davis struggled to hold back tears during an emotional tribute to snooker icon John Virgo at the Crucible Theatre. A one-minute applause opened the World Snooker Championships, honoring Virgo, who passed away in February at age 79.
Virgo’s Illustrious Career
Virgo secured the UK Championship in 1979 and built a legendary broadcasting career, earning the title ‘voice of snooker.’ Famous for his catchphrase ‘Where’s the cue ball going?’, the Salford native became a staple in snooker coverage starting in 1985. He also starred on the 1990s TV show Big Break and dazzled audiences with trick shots on the exhibition circuit.
The Crucible Tribute
BBC presenter Hazel Irvine led the ceremony, inviting players and fans to join the applause. “We would first like to pay tribute to our dear friend and colleague John Virgo, who passed away in February this year. It was a tremendous shock to all of us,” Irvine stated.
“John was universally loved by everyone in this sport and well beyond it, too. John really was the Voice of Snooker. JV played in the first ever Crucible in 1977. Winning the UK title in 1979 was the zenith of his playing career. But John’s humour endeared him to millions on quiz show Big Break and as a commentator from 1985 onwards, his wit and wisdom shone through.”
“He was a master story-teller, a superb professional, who conveyed the drama and the tension, the fun and emotion of this great sport and unmistakeable voice. He really is irreplaceable. So, whilst we are all desperately sad, we are determined to celebrate this great man’s life and work in this sport.”
Six-time world champion Davis joined Stephen Hendry, Dennis Taylor, John Parrott, Jimmy White, and Alan McManus in the standing ovation.
Memorial Events
A memorial service took place at Sheffield Cathedral, organized by 1997 world champion Ken Doherty and master of ceremonies Rob Walker. Around 600 attendees joined on a first-come, first-served basis. This followed Virgo’s funeral on February 14 in Spain.
Davis shared personal reflections on his friend: “We’re going to miss him dearly, a great commentator but a good friend to us all, he made you feel very special. We all thought we were friends with John because he had a great heart and he was funny, sometimes cantankerous but we loved him for that. All in all, he was part of snooker’s furniture, he was part of snooker’s history and a wonderful commentator. He got the best out of every match.”
