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Snooker legend Virgo dies aged 79

John Virgo, winner of the 1979 UK Championship and renowned BBC commentator, passed away aged 79 after relocating to Spain for health reasons, with tributes from the snooker world.

  • On Wednesday, the World Snooker Tour announced John Virgo, former professional snooker player and broadcaster, died aged 79 in Spain.
  • Across an 18-year career, Virgo won the 1979 UK Championship and co-presented Big Break on BBC One from 1991 to 2002, then became a BBC commentator.
  • His last on-air work came 17 days ago when John Virgo commentated the Masters final where Kyren Wilson beat John Higgins, and he was also known for Big Break and his exhibition trick shots.
  • Fans and players rushed to pay tribute as tributes flooded in from fans, players and organisations, with PA News reporter Harry Taylor writing `Gutted to read the news about John Virgo` and Stephen Hendry and Mark Selby posting personal messages.
  • His long-standing role in commentary positions John Virgo as an enduring influence, with commentary box colleagues saying many learned from him and The Crucible feeling slightly emptier in April.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan pays tribute to 'great mate' John Virgo who has died aged 79

Ronnie O'Sullivan has paid tribute to legendary snooker player and commentator John Virgo who has died at the age of 79.

·Colchester, United Kingdom
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Daily Mirror broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
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