Steve Davis was notably teary-eyed as the World Championship got off to an emotional start.
The Crucible stood in a minute's applause in tribute to John Virgo who died in February.
Hazel Irvine said: "John really was the voice of snooker".
Video: BBC
Stephen Hendry has told how he is "not looking forward" to the World Championship following the passing of John Virgo.
Hendry and Virgo worked closely in the BBC commentary box.
The Scot said: "It's going to be horrible. It'a huge gap he's going to leave in snooker." #snooker
Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Rest in peace, JV. โค๏ธ
Donโt get caught out by @opodo on auto re-new - just called to cancel this less than a week & offered 50%. What a joke! And not used the service in 3 years. More fool me for funding this establishment!!!
@WeAreWST@BetVictor@JackLisowski well over due but you did it. So happy for you. Congratulations. I lost my Dad 10 months ago & the pain & feeling of lossโฆyourโs would be so proud of you ๐๐ Xx
"When he passed away, one of the first things I thought of was that he'd never seen me win a tournament."
You've done it now Jack. He'd be so proud.
Watch full interview on WST PLAY here ๐
#NIOpen | @BetVictor
"I'm probably a lot happier than if I'd have won. I gave it my absolute all. Jack fully deserved the win and there's no person happier for him than me."
Judd Trump after Jack Lisowski beat him to win his first major title ๐