Steve Davis was seen fighting back tears as an emotional tribute was paid to the late snooker commentator John Virgo at the Crucible.
A one minute’s applause was held before the opening session of this year’s World Snooker Championships in honour of Virgo, who died in February at the age of 79.
Virgo, who won the UK Championship in 1979, enjoyed a long and storied career but was perhaps best known for his work as a broadcaster dubbed the ‘voice of snooker’.
The Salford-born star was an established part of the BBC’s coverage as a commentator, famous for his catchphrase of ‘Where’s the cue ball going?’
Virgo was also well known for his role on the 1990s snooker television game show Big Break and was a regular on the exhibition circuit with his vast array of trick shots.
BBC presenter Hazel Irvine oversaw the tribute to Virgo at the Crucible and invited snooker legends and fans to participate in the applause.
Snooker legend and TV favourite Virgo, pictured during an exhibition match at the Crucible in Sheffield in May 2015, died in February at the age of 79
Steve Davis fought back tears during a tribute to Virgo at the World Snooker Championships
Jimmy White, centre, was among the snooker legends to take part in the tribute
Six-time world champion Davis was seen on the verge of tears as the emotional tribute was made.
‘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 began the tribute.
‘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.
‘So, in the Crucible and beyond, we would invite those who can to please stand and offer John a minute’s applause.’
Davis was among world champions, including Stephen Hendry, Dennis Taylor and John Parrott, who participated in the tribute. Jimmy White and Alan McManus were also among the snooker legends to join in.
A memorial service was held at Sheffield Cathedral in honour of Virgo on Thursday
Jim Davidson (left) and John Virgo co-hosted BBC snooker game show Big Break between 1991 and 2002 – Virgo later credited the show with helping save him from ruin
Virgo, pictured playing at the 1987 Embassy World Snooker Championship in April that year, had his great triumph by winning the 1979 UK Championship
A memorial service had been held two days earlier at Sheffield Cathedral, which was arranged by 1997 world snooker champion Ken Doherty and master of ceremonies Rob Walker.
Entry was offered to 600 people on a basis of first come, first served.
The memorial event followed the funeral held for Virgo on February 14, in Spain.
Davis offered his personal tribute to his friend at the memorial and reflected on how he was a key part of snooker’s history.
‘We’re going to miss him dearly, a great commentator but a good friend to us all, he made you feel very special,’ Davis told PA.
‘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.’
