Legendary snooker commentator John Virgo has passed away at the age of 79. Known as a prominent voice in the sport, Virgo made his final appearance on the BBC during last month’s Masters tournament. Originally from Salford, Virgo had a successful career as a player, winning the UK Championship in 1979. He passed away in Spain, where he resided.
The news of Virgo’s death was confirmed by World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis via a social media post, expressing his sorrow at the loss. Virgo was a beloved figure in the snooker community and was cherished for his dedication to the sport until the very end.
Following the announcement, both the BBC and the World Snooker Tour expressed their condolences for the passing of the iconic snooker personality. Snooker legends like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, and Shaun Murphy also paid tribute to Virgo, highlighting his impact on the game and their personal connections with him.
Virgo, who retired from playing in 1994, transitioned into a renowned commentator and was inducted into the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame. His signature catchphrase, “Where’s the cue ball going?”, added to his legendary status alongside his flamboyant style and trick shots.
Throughout his career, Virgo reached the No.10 spot in the world rankings and notably co-hosted the popular BBC snooker show, Big Break, with comedian Jim Davidson. Davidson, along with other colleagues and friends, shared heartfelt messages honoring Virgo’s memory and legacy in the world of snooker.
In his later years, Virgo moved to Spain with his third wife, Rosie Ries, seeking relief from a chronic neck injury. He openly discussed his struggles with gambling addiction in a 2017 interview. Virgo is survived by his children, Gary and Brook-Leah, from previous marriages.
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