Snooker legend John Virgo’s passing has been attributed to a ruptured aorta, as confirmed following his sudden demise at the age of 79. The snooker community and beyond have been paying heartfelt tributes to the iconic figure.
Virgo, who excelled in the 1970s and 1980s, reached the pinnacle of his career by clinching the 1979 UK Championship title and making it to the semi-finals of the World Championship in the same year.
While he achieved success on the snooker table, Virgo became a household name in the 1990s through his role as co-host of Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson.
Known as the voice of snooker, Virgo enjoyed a distinguished commentary career on the BBC, with his famous catchphrase “where’s the cue ball going?” becoming synonymous with his broadcasting style.
Virgo resided in Spain with his wife Rosie, who fondly remembered him as the love of her life and best friend, expressing deep sorrow over his sudden departure.
His close friend James Malyon, reflecting on the unexpected news, described Virgo as a great man and the life of the party, highlighting their shared passion for golf.
Renowned snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan, expressing his grief, referred to Virgo as a cherished friend and conveyed his condolences to Virgo’s family.
Stephen Hendry, another prominent snooker figure, paid tribute to Virgo’s unparalleled talent in capturing the excitement of matches, emphasizing the loss felt by many in the snooker community.
Jim Davidson, Virgo’s long-time colleague, expressed his devastation over the passing of the talented and charismatic Virgo, recognizing his significant contributions to both Big Break and snooker commentary.
In 2020, Virgo and his wife relocated to Spain in search of a more favorable climate to alleviate Virgo’s chronic neck ailment.
Virgo is survived by his children, Gary and Brook-Leah, from his previous marriages, leaving behind a legacy in the world of snooker that will be dearly remembered.