John Virgo has died aged 79 after years on the snooker circuit, first as a participant and later as a commentator on the world’s largest tournaments
John Virgo on the 2023 World Championships (Picture: Getty)
Snooker legend John Virgo turned finest recognized in his commentary days for one query: “The place’s the cue ball going”. Nevertheless the enduring participant and broadcaster admitted it was simply his personal spin on the work of one in every of his predecessors. Virgo, a UK Championship winner and World Championship semi-finalist, died on Wednesday on the age of 79. He was a daily on BBC broadcasts throughout his profession and was working within the commentary sales space till the final, commentating through the Masters in January.
In April 2024, forward of that yr’s World Championship, Virgo spoke to The Mirror in regards to the catchphrase. “On a regular basis,” he stated when requested if folks repeat the cue ball query to him when he’s out in public. “I’ve discovered in my life, in the event you say one thing sufficient instances, persons are going to deal with it as a catchphrase.” Nevertheless, he additionally admitted the catchphrase started not with him however with iconic commentator ‘Whispering’ Ted Lowe.
“I obtained it from Ted. Ted did not say it as usually as I do, however Ted would ask ‘the place’s the cue ball going?’ So I simply raised it up a notch,” Virgo added.
He additionally admitted his work on snooker recreation present Massive Break, which he hosted with comic Jim Davidson between 1991 and 2002, helped him along with his extra critical commentary jobs. “I discovered a variety of my commentary strikes from Massive Break,” he stated.
“Such an necessary particular person in my life however in our sport normally. An amazingly loyal pal to me, and somebody you felt was sat with you on the match when he was commentating on TV. Exhausting to take this one…one nice one who touched so many lives and liked the sport.We’ll always remember you bud. RIP JV.”
The World Snooker Tour additionally shared a message, which learn: “Everybody at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to be taught of the passing of legendary snooker participant and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79. Our ideas are along with his household and family members. Relaxation in peace, JV.”
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