Steve Davis was visibly emotional as the Crucible paid tribute to late snooker legend John Virgo ahead of this year's World Championship. The six-time world champion, along with other greats of the sport, struggled to hold back tears as applause filled the arena in Sheffield.
Virgo, known as the 'Voice of Snooker', died aged 79 in February at his home in Spain. BBC presenter Hazel Irvine led the tribute, saying: 'John was universally loved by everyone in this sport and well beyond it, too. John really was the voice of snooker.' A video package was shown, followed by a minute's applause.
Announcer Rob Walker added: 'We miss him more than we can possibly put into words. It's as if he's about to walk into the arena at any minute. But we carry on, and we carry on with gusto because that's exactly how JV lived his 79 years of life.'
The tribute came after a memorial service at Sheffield Cathedral, where figures such as Stephen Hendry, Dennis Taylor, and Ken Doherty spoke. John Parrott remarked that Virgo is now 'in the great commentary box in the sky with his good friend Willie Thorne'. Davis described Virgo as 'part of snooker's furniture', adding: 'We're going to miss him dearly. A great commentator but a good friend to us all.'
