That was the biggest title of his career, though Virgo was seen by some to have squandered a big chance at the Crucible in 1982.
As it happened, his hopes of winning big in Sheffield were somewhat dashed by some good fortune elsewhere.
A big gambler at the time, Virgo reckoned he won more with a hefty punt on Dawn Johnny and Walter Swinburn winning the Chester Cup than he would have for lifting the World Championship trophy. Considering the Crucible top prize was £25,000, that was some claim.
His mind was abuzz after his pocket-lining trip to the races, and his snooker suffered, with Virgo later suggesting he had bungled a glorious opportunity a
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