Snooker Star admits to issues with Problem Gambling

[Webzcas]

The World Snooker Championships may have just come to a close at the Crucible in Sheffield, which saw the 28 year old Chinese sensation Zhao Xintong pick up the coveted trophy, beating former champion Mark Williams 18 - 12.

But in other news, a leading top 16 player of the 1980's, TV personality and snooker commentator John Virgo, has been opening up about his battles with the gambling demons.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Virgo said: "It was a vicious circle. I was doing commentary for the BBC and had exhibition work but if you're not winning you are not earning as much. And when you're seen as a successful sportsman, people assume you're earning a good living."

"There was pressure on me to have the newest car, a more expensive holiday. It was all about keeping up appearances. When the results weren't coming on the snooker table, I tried to supplement things by gambling on horses even more. I went through a period when I was addicted to gambling."

"It was a compulsion that I struggled to get to grips with. By 1990, it was in danger of ruining my life. I was borrowing against the mortgage just to keep up the pretence that I was successful. Looking back, I see it was crazy. I think a lot of players may have had issues with gambling."

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[dunover]

The World Snooker Championships may have just come to a close at the Crucible in Sheffield, which saw the 28 year old Chinese sensation Zhao Xintong pick up the coveted trophy, beating former champion Mark Williams 18 - 12.

But in other news, a leading top 16 player of the 1980's, TV personality and snooker commentator John Virgo, has been opening up about his battles with the gambling demons.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Virgo said: "It was a vicious circle. I was doing commentary for the BBC and had exhibition work but if you're not winning you are not earning as much. And when you're seen as a successful sportsman, people assume you're earning a good living."

"There was pressure on me to have the newest car, a more expensive holiday. It was all about keeping up appearances. When the results weren't coming on the snooker table, I tried to supplement things by gambling on horses even more. I went through a period when I was addicted to gambling."

"It was a compulsion that I struggled to get to grips with. By 1990, it was in danger of ruining my life. I was borrowing against the mortgage just to keep up the pretence that I was successful. Looking back, I see it was crazy. I think a lot of players may have had issues with gambling."

Full Article:

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

As he was guest in Dictionary Corner on C4's Countdown last week, I guess 'addiction' was one 9-letter word he wanted to avoid.

 

[conker]

I could be wrong, but didn't Virgo have a bit of a problem with the booze also? I guess vices might be his weakness.

Great commentator though, one of a few men that can genuinely get excited by a long red, or a 3 ball plant.

 

[L&L-Jan]

I'm only looking forward to the UK Championship at the end of the year... Sponsored by....

 

[Webzcas]

I'm only looking forward to the UK Championship at the end of the year... Sponsored by....

Crown Paints?

 

[conker]

Hopefully you can accept players from Asia Jan, as I hear the sport is pretty popular over there.

China must be going nuts right now after Zhao just won.

 

[dunover]

In all fairness Virgo was a pretty mediocre player compared to his peers and was lucky to end up with any income from the game via his media presentation and commentary jobs. And a stint presenting Big Break with Jim Davidson on TV.

All he did was get to one World Championship semi-final and won the UK Championship before it became a ranking event. Oh, and some Bombay Duck tournament.

His peers back then included Terry Griffiths, Steve Davis, Ray Reardon, Alex Higgins, Eddie Charlton and Cliff Thorburn all of whom appeared in or won World Finals and various other ranking tournaments. Apart from Davis, you never often saw those players once their careers ended aside from the odd guest appearances in commentary boxes.

So Virgo indeed did get a lucky break by having regular media work for the last 40-odd years. Because if that work was related to snooker success, you'd have have seldom seen him again. Harsh, but true. I do like the bloke but we need some perspective here.

 

[Webzcas]

There were some fantastic players during the 80's, similar to Darts. In addition to those you mentioned above Dunover, you had the likes of Big Bill Weberniuk - Famous for splitting his trousers on live tv and regularly drinking over 10 pints per match.

Jimmy the Whirlwind White and then of course the likes of Dennis Taylor - remember the Black Ball final!? Plus Stephen Hendry.

 

[dunover]

There were some fantastic players during the 80's, similar to Darts. In addition to those you mentioned above Dunover, you had the likes of Big Bill Weberniuk - Famous for splitting his trousers on live tv and regularly drinking over 10 pints per match.

Jimmy the Whirlwind White and then of course the likes of Dennis Taylor - remember the Black Ball final!? Plus Stephen Hendry.

Yes, Werbeniuk actually sank around 20 pints per game due to a 'nervous condition' lol

He was also heard on more than one occasion by his opponent and sometimes the audience to let salvoes of flatulence go when bending for a shot.

 

[Lemon]

"Where's the MORTGAGE PAYMENT GOING?!"

On the horses...