Snooker legend and beloved BBC commentator John Virgo has died at the age of 79 in Spain, prompting an outpouring of grief from across the sporting world.
The World Snooker Tour confirmed the news this morning, expressing deep sadness at the loss of the "legendary snooker player and broadcaster."
Virgo claimed the UK Championship title in 1979 and reached the World Championship semi-finals that same year, establishing himself among the finest players of his generation.
Following his playing career, he became a familiar face in British households through his role co-presenting the popular BBC game show Big Break alongside Jim Davidson.
John Virgo has died at the age of 79 in Spain
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His distinctive commentary style, particularly his trademark phrase "where's the cue ball going?", made him instantly recognisable to millions of viewers.
Ronnie O'Sullivan discovered the devastating news only after completing his first-round victory at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong.
The seven-time world champion had just secured a comeback win against Joe O'Connor, overturning a two-frame deficit to triumph 5-3.
Taking to social media platform X, O'Sullivan wrote: "Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away. Love to Rosie, Brooke and Gary. Such a great mate, whom I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted."
The pair's friendship stretched back decades, beginning when a teenage O'Sullivan appeared on Big Break at just 16 years of age.
Ronnie O'Sullivan only learned of John Virgo's death after his match
| PAVirgo is survived by his wife Rosie and children Gary and Brooke-Leah, along with his grandchildren.
Stephen Hendry, who had been sharing commentary duties with Virgo in recent weeks, spoke of his profound sadness at the loss.
The six-time world champion revealed he had worked alongside Virgo at the Masters just a fortnight ago, describing him as "the greatest to work with."
Hendry added: "Nobody recreated the excitement of a match like him. 'Where's the cueball going?' Very sad news, absolutely gutted. RIP JV."
Neil Robertson, who collaborated with Virgo during World Championship coverage, offered his own tribute to the veteran broadcaster.
The Australian former world champion said: "He was a great character and an amazing pundit/commentator. I had the pleasure of sharing the booth with him during the World Championship a couple of years ago, in which I got a huge appreciation for how good he was."
Shaun Murphy recalled his first encounter with Virgo three decades ago whilst filming Junior Big Break in 1994.
John Virgo and Jim Davidson were the closest of friends
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The 2005 world champion said: "He then went on to become a friend and colleague. I learned so much from him whilst sharing a commentary box. The voice of snooker will be sadly missed. Rest In Peace, John Virgo."
Fellow former world champion John Parrott paid tribute to Virgo's remarkable versatility, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about his friend's talents beyond the microphone.
Parrott remembered Virgo's celebrated impersonations of players including Alex Higgins, Terry Griffiths and Cliff Thorburn, noting that his subjects "all loved it."
He described Virgo as "a brilliant character" and suggested the Crucible would honour him with footage of his famous impressions routine during April's World Championship.