Steve Davis in tears as BBC pay emotional tribute to snooker legend John Virgo

Steve Davis in tears as BBC pay emotional tribute to snooker legend John VirgoHazel Irvine led an emotional tribute to the late John Virgo at the Crucible as the likes of Steven Davis and Stephen Hendry cut emotional figures ahead of the World ChampionshipCommentsSportScott Trotter Sports Writer10:32, 18 Apr 2026Updated 10:45, 18 Apr 2026View ImageSteve Davis cut an emotional figure(Image: BBC)Steve Davis and some of snooker's greats were left fighting tears as the Crucible paid tribute to the late John Virgo ahead of this year's tournament getting underway. The six-time world champion cut an emotional figure as applause rang around the building in Sheffield to mark the passing of Virgo.‌The 'Voice of Snooker' died aged 79 at his home in Mijas Costa, Spain in February. Hazel Irvine led a tribute as the BBC's coverage of the World Championship prepared to get underway with figures such as Stephen Hendry, Dennis Taylor and Ken Doherty lining up to pay their respects before the first match of the tournament.‌"Before we get our championship underway, we would first like to pay tribute to our dear friend and colleague John Virgo, who passed away in February," said Irvine. "It was a tremendous shock to all of us. John was universally loved by everyone in this sport and well beyond it, too. John really was the voice of snooker."‌A small video package was then played before a round of applause was initiated. "And so while we are all desperately sad here, we're determined to celebrate this great man's life and work in this sport. So in the Crucible and beyond, we would invite those of you who can to please stand for John and offer a minute's applause.""We miss him more than we can possibly put into words. It's as if he's about to walk into the arena at any minute. But we carry on, and we carry on with gusto because that's exactly how JV lived his 79 years of life," announcer Rob Wa...