Overview
- The service at Sheffield Cathedral on Thursday drew hundreds of fans and a roll call of champions before play starts at the Crucible this weekend.
- Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor, Jimmy White, John Higgins, Shaun Murphy, Mark Williams, Neil Robertson, John Parrott and Ken Doherty attended alongside Virgo’s widow, Rosie Ries.
- Virgo’s son Gary delivered a heartfelt eulogy and his daughter Brooke-Leah read a poem that echoed his catchphrase, asking, “Where’s the cue ball going?”
- The memorial, arranged by Ken Doherty and master of ceremonies Rob Walker, offered about 600 first‑come seats and was followed by a reception at Sheffield Town Hall.
- Virgo died on February 4 in Mijas Costa, Spain, aged 79, from a ruptured aorta, and after his final BBC commentary at January’s Masters, colleagues said his absence will be keenly felt during the tournament.