Steve Davis and fellow snooker icons struggled to hold back tears as the Crucible Theatre honored the late John Virgo before the World Championship kicked off in Sheffield.

Emotional Moment Before First Match

The six-time world champion stood visibly moved amid resounding applause echoing through the venue. Virgo, revered as the Voice of Snooker, passed away at age 79 in his home in Mijas Costa, Spain, in February.

Hazel Irvine spearheaded the tribute during coverage of the tournament, joined by legends Stephen Hendry, Dennis Taylor, and Ken Doherty, who gathered to pay their respects prior to the opening match.

“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,” Irvine stated. “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 poignant video montage followed, prompting a minute’s applause from the crowd.

Irvine continued: “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.”