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World Snooker Championship opens at the Crucible, pays tribute to John Virgo

sportsApr 18, 202620182

The World Snooker Championship began at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre with a minute's applause for former player and commentator John Virgo, who died in February aged 79. First-round play featured reigning champion Zhao Xintong on table one, with Mark Williams and Barry Hawkins also competing in opening-session matches. Young British qualifiers Stan Moody and Liam Pullen are in the draw and will make their Crucible debuts this week. Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump missed an obligatory pre-tournament event, leaving organisers without two former world champions before play started.

Key Highlights

Minute's applause at the Crucible for John Virgo, who died in February aged 79
World champion Zhao Xintong featured in first-round action at the Crucible
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump missed an obligatory pre-tournament event
3 sources
theguardian.comO’Sullivan and Trump no-shows spoil mood before World Snooker Championshipbbc.comWorld Snooker Championship 2026: BBC and the crucible pay tribute to John Virgomorningstaronline.co.ukCrucible to stay the home of World Snooker Championship

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