Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry has described his preliminary response after studying of snooker icon John Virgo’s dying
Stephen Hendry has described his shock after studying of John Virgo’s dying (Picture: Getty) This text accommodates affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
Snooker legend Stephen Hendry has confessed he was left in a state of “full shock” after studying John Virgo had died. It was confirmed in early February that the enduring commentator had died in Spain on the age of 79.
The information induced a ripple impact all through the snooker world. Virgo voiced a lot of Hendry’s ascent to turn out to be a seven-time world champion, whereas the pair had additionally turn out to be colleagues on the BBC in more moderen years. The Scot additionally revealed Steve Davis’ first phrases on the matter after Virgo’s dying grew to become public information. And it summed up the widespread sense of mourning that everybody related to the game was going by way of on the time. Talking on the Snooker Membership podcast, Hendry mentioned: “His voice, as we all know, has simply turn out to be synonymous with snooker. I bought a name from Ken Doherty whereas I used to be in China and it was a whole shock.
Sky is giving present clients the possibility to look at TNT Sports activities for £25 monthly.
It’s added to your present bundle that means you may watch each UEFA Champions League and Europa League match, plus unique Premier League video games.
“And actually two weeks earlier than, I might been within the field with him on the remaining of the Masters. Steve known as me [to] say he’d been actually per week working with John [for] 4 nights [in] nice spirits. That was simply full shock.”
Virgo earned acclaim as co-presenter on Huge Break all through the Nineteen Nineties. Nonetheless, he made his BBC commentary debut on the 1985 World Championship and went on to turn out to be an iconic a part of the furnishings over the following 4 a long time.
Consequently, Hendry went on to say he is partly dreading this yr’s Crucible. The event will not be the identical with out Virgo enjoying his common position from the sidelines and his former colleague is acurely conscious simply how a lot he’ll be missed.
“In the meanwhile, I am probably not trying ahead to Sheffield,” he continued. “As a result of the prospect of him not being there, not sharing a commentary field with him is…it is not going to be as satisfying.”
Virgo grew to become a beloved determine within the snooker world after half a century within the sport (Picture: Getty)
Shaun Murphy was in attendance for Virgo’s funeral, which was held in Spain on Valentine’s Day earlier this month. He posted a photograph on Instagram of the memorial service card laid on a seashore, alongside the caption: “Goodnight JV.”
Former world champion Doherty has additionally organized a memorial service to be held in Sheffield on April 16, simply forward of this yr’s World Snooker Championship. The congregation takes place at Sheffield Cathedral and is described as a “celebration of John Virgo’s life.”
Event schedules, scores, gamers updates and majors information plus chosen presents and competitions Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may increasingly embrace adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You possibly can unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
It is a testomony to Virgo’s enduring legacy that so many elite figures on this planet of snooker have paid tribute within the wake of his dying. And regardless of enduring well being struggles up to now, it is clear no-one was anticipating the tragic information.
This yr’s World Championship will carry particular significance in consequence, with an enormous presence sure to be lacking from the commentary field. And it might hit Hendry tougher than most as he’ll be lacking considered one of his typical companions on the game’s largest stage.
Leave a Reply