Stephen Hendry's Utter Shock at John Virgo's Death Revealed
Snooker icon Stephen Hendry has confessed he was left in "complete shock" upon hearing the news that legendary commentator John Virgo had died. The seven-time world champion described his emotional reaction during a recent podcast appearance, revealing the profound impact Virgo's passing has had on him personally and professionally.
The Moment Hendry Learned the Devastating News
Speaking on the Snooker Club podcast, Hendry detailed how he received the heartbreaking news while he was in China. "I got a call from Ken Doherty whilst I was in China and it was a complete shock," Hendry revealed. "And literally two weeks before, I'd been in the box with him at the final of the Masters."
The timing made the news particularly devastating for Hendry, who had just shared commentary duties with Virgo during a major tournament. Virgo's death at age 79 in Spain earlier this month sent shockwaves through the entire snooker community, where he had been a beloved figure for over four decades.
Virgo's Enduring Legacy in Snooker
John Virgo first gained recognition as a co-presenter on Big Break throughout the 1990s, but his BBC commentary debut actually came at the 1985 World Championship. Over the next forty years, he became an integral part of the snooker landscape, with Hendry noting: "His voice, as we know, has just become synonymous with snooker."
Virgo had been a vocal part of Hendry's rise to become a seven-time world champion, and in recent years, they had developed a close working relationship as colleagues at the BBC. The Scot also shared that fellow snooker legend Steve Davis had been working with Virgo just days before his death, describing him as being in "great spirits."
Emotional Impact on Upcoming World Championship
Hendry admitted he's now somewhat apprehensive about this year's World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The event simply won't feel the same without Virgo fulfilling his customary role from the commentary booth.
"At the moment, I'm not really looking forward to Sheffield," Hendry confessed. "Because the prospect of him not being there, not sharing a commentary box with him is...it's not going to be as enjoyable."
The absence will be particularly poignant for Hendry, who will be without one of his usual colleagues on the sport's grandest stage. This year's World Championship is expected to be an emotional affair as the snooker community continues to mourn Virgo's passing.
Snooker Community Pays Tribute
The snooker world has united in paying tribute to Virgo following his death. Shaun Murphy attended Virgo's funeral, which took place in Spain on Valentine's Day earlier this month. Murphy shared a photograph on Instagram of the memorial service card placed on a beach, with the simple but poignant caption: "Goodnight JV."
Former world champion Ken Doherty has organized a memorial service to be held in Sheffield on April 16, shortly before this year's World Snooker Championship begins. The gathering will take place at Sheffield Cathedral and is billed as a "celebration of John Virgo's life."
Despite facing health challenges previously, it's evident nobody in the snooker community anticipated the heartbreaking news of Virgo's death. The outpouring of tributes from prominent figures across the sport serves as a testament to Virgo's lasting impact and the deep affection in which he was held by players, commentators, and fans alike.
