Neil Robertson makes thoughts clear on BBC commentary team at World Snooker Championship

Former winner has lavished praise on John Virgo and the commentary team for their sterling work behind the mic. Robertson, 43, still competes at the top tier, but has occasionally swapped the cue for the commentary booth to share his insights on the game.

In the commentary box, he rubbed shoulders with stalwart Virgo, the 1979 victor, who has become synonymous with the sport's narration. Although Virgo carved out a successful career on the baize, it's his stint as a BBC commentator, which began in 1991 while presenting the Big Break, that has made him a household name. At one stage, it looked like the BBC were going to release Virgo, until they decided to change their mind and keep him in the gantry. Reflecting on his time commentating with Virgo, Robertson was full of admiration for the experienced broadcaster.

On , the Australian said: "I was doing some commentary and punditry work at the World Championships last year. You realise just how good some of those guys are in the commentary box. I thought Virgo was just absolutely amazing. The timing and the delivery of everything he is saying."

Hendry is no stranger to the commentary scene and regularly works alongside Virgo for the BBC. The seven-time world champion echoed Robertson's sentiments, saying: "The thing is, you and I, will sort of talk technically and say what is happening and everything, but they bring the excitement."

Renowned for his sharp commentary and iconic catchphrase "Where's the cueball going," Virgo has become a household name. However, fans almost lost the chance to hear him as he announced the BBC were going to replace him after the 2022/23 season due to their preference for fresh, younger voices.

Reflecting on what seemed to be an imminent departure, Virgo told : "I wouldn't have been like this 30 years ago, I would have been fighting my corner. But I've realised - and it's taken me a long time to realise it - not to get caught up in something you have no control of.

"I can't have any bad feelings. Maybe it's a working-class attitude I've been brought up with but there's b******s all I can do about it, so why get bothered? I'm not going to go round on my hands and knees begging for a job. I'm past that. So I'll just get on with what I'm doing, enjoy it and treasure every moment. I understand that you get over a certain age and they want to try something different."

However, in a surprising reversal, the BBC opted to retain Virgo's commentary services. During an appearance on the BBC podcast , Virgo shared the news, saying: "Well from what I've heard recently that's not going to happen.

"I spoke to one of the producers and I said 'Well you know it'll be my last year..." and he said 'no no no, we're not going to do that now. We're going to stay as we are for the foreseeable future'. Which was fantastic."

Virgo added: "I'd have missed that terribly you know. Just going there. So for the foreseeable future, now whether that's this year, next year and that'll be it? So that was great, it was music to my ears."