The Crucible holds tribute to former player and commentator John Virgo

A minute’s applause was paid in tribute to John Virgo, who died in February aged 79, as the World Snooker Championship got under way at the Crucible in Sheffield.

Virgo, who won the UK Championship in 1979, enjoyed a successful playing career but was best known for his broadcasting.

During his 18 years as a professional, Virgo reached the World Championship semi-finals in 1979. He went on to work for the BBC in 1994 and his voice became a distinctive feature of the national broadcaster’s snooker coverage for three decades.

At a memorial service at Sheffield Cathedral on Thursday the great and good of the sport gather to remember the commentator famous for his catchphrase: “Where’s the cue ball going?”

As is traditional, the first play of 17-day long tournament began with the defending champion, Zhao Xintong, in action on Saturday morning. The Chinese player, who beat Mark Williams 18-12 in the 2025 final, is playing the English qualifier Liam Highfield. Mark Allen goes against Zhang Anda on the second table.

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