The snooker world has been deeply moved by Ronnie O'Sullivan's heartfelt reflections on his friendship with the late John Virgo, following the legendary commentator's passing at age 79. O'Sullivan's poignant words, originally shared in a 2015 interview with Eurosport, have taken on new significance as tributes pour in for the beloved snooker personality.
A Bond Forged Through Exhibition Matches
Ronnie O'Sullivan revealed that his close connection with John Virgo developed through their work together in exhibition matches across the country. The seven-time world champion described these events as "pure snooker" where genuine fans could connect with players in an intimate setting. "I love the fact that I'm working with John Virgo," O'Sullivan said at the time. "He's a real professional. We have such a good time on the road, and I wouldn't miss these nights."
The Special Atmosphere of Snooker Clubs
O'Sullivan explained how exhibition matches brought back memories of his youth, when legendary players like Alex Higgins and Stephen Hendry would visit his local club. "There was such a buzz around the club for at least two weeks before they arrived," he recalled. "The whole club would be talking about them coming to play. There was a sense of anticipation."
For O'Sullivan, working with veterans like Virgo allowed him to "give back to the fans that have truly supported me over years" while returning to his roots. He described snooker clubs as having "a special feeling" that felt like "my church, and I feel at home there."
"Mates for Life" in the Snooker World
The most touching revelation came when O'Sullivan discussed his relationship with both Virgo and fellow snooker icon Dennis Taylor. "Getting to work with people like John Virgo and Dennis Taylor is a real joy," he said. "It's so nice to see their happy faces. We are all mates for life, and getting to work with your mates is something you just can't put value on."
Mutual Respect Between Legends
This admiration was clearly mutual. In a 2021 appearance on the Talking Snooker podcast, Virgo himself declared O'Sullivan "the greatest player I've ever seen." He expressed amazement at O'Sullivan's ambidextrous abilities, stating: "The fact he can do it with either hand just adds to the mystery of how a man can play the game this well."
Virgo believed that with greater mental consistency, O'Sullivan could have achieved even more remarkable success. "I think if he'd maybe been a bit more level in his mind he'd have got up to maybe 10 world titles," Virgo speculated. "I'm convinced of that."
Virgo's Enduring Legacy
John Virgo's contribution to snooker spanned multiple decades and roles. After a successful playing career that included winning the 1979 UK Championship, he transitioned to commentary, becoming the familiar "voice of snooker" for BBC audiences. His induction into the World Snooker Hall of Fame recognised his significant impact on the sport.
World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis confirmed Virgo's passing at his home in Spain, describing him as an "amazingly loyal friend" and "important person" in snooker. The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the sporting world.
O'Sullivan's comments, preserved from nearly a decade ago, now serve as a powerful testament to the genuine friendships that can develop within competitive sports. They reveal a side of professional snooker often unseen by television audiences - the camaraderie, mutual respect, and deep bonds that form between players across generations.
As the snooker community mourns the loss of one of its most distinctive voices, O'Sullivan's words remind us that beyond the trophies and television appearances, it's these personal connections that often matter most to those within the sport.
