Former snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo has died at the age of 79.
The news was confirmed by World Snooker Tour on Tuesday. Virgo passed away in Spain, where he had been living in recent years. He is survived by his wife Rosie and his children Gary and Brook-Leah.
Virgo enjoyed a long career in snooker. He won the UK Championship in 1979 and reached the semi-finals of the World Championship the same year at the Crucible in Sheffield. He lost that semi-final to Dennis Taylor and later finished fourth after a loss to Eddie Charlton.
His UK Championship win came at Preston Guild Hall. He beat Tony Meo, Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor on the way to the final. He then edged Terry Griffiths 14–13 to lift the title.
After retiring from playing in 1994, Virgo became one of the most familiar voices in snooker. His commentary became a key part of the BBC’s snooker coverage. He was famous for his catchphrase, “Where’s the cue ball going?”
He was also a regular face on the popular snooker show Big Break, which ran from 1991 to 2002. Away from television, he stayed close to the sport through exhibitions, where his trick shots drew large crowds.
Virgo’s final BBC commentary came on 18 January. It was during the Masters final at Alexandra Palace, where Kyren Wilson beat John Higgins 10–6.
World Snooker paid tribute in a statement. It said everyone at the organisation was deeply saddened by his death and sent condolences to his family and loved ones.
Tributes also came from leading players. Four-time world champion Mark Selby said Virgo was a great person and a huge character who would be greatly missed.
Former world champion Neil Robertson praised Virgo’s work behind the microphone. He said Virgo was an amazing pundit and commentator and that sharing the commentary box with him gave him a deep respect for how good he was.
