A Golden Jubilee for Salford’s Snooker Legends: Virgo and Medati’s 1976 Triumph
Fifty years ago today, the snooker world looked vastly different. The smoke-filled halls of the North of England were the breeding grounds for a new generation of talent, and in 1976, two names from Salford rose above the rest. A rare archival photograph from that year captures John Virgo and the late Paul Medati in a moment of pure, unadulterated joy—toasting to their victory in the 1976 Coral Pairs Championship.
For those who know Virgo today as the “Big Break” entertainer or the iconic voice of the commentary box, this image serves as a potent reminder of his prowess at the table. For Medati, it encapsulates the peak of a stylish, fierce competitor who remained a beloved fixture of the circuit for decades.
A Year of Transformation
The year 1976 was the ultimate “sliding doors” moment for John Virgo. While the pair hoisted the Coral trophy, Virgo was simultaneously navigating the transition from a top-tier amateur to the professional ranks. It was the dawn of an era where snooker was beginning its metamorphosis from a backroom pastime into a televised phenomenon.
Winning the Coral Pairs wasn’t just about the trophy; it was about momentum. “We knew we had the game,” Virgo recalled in later years. “But in Salford, you didn’t just play for the win—you played for the pride of the club. Paul and I had a rhythm that year that felt untouchable.”
The Medati-Virgo Dynamic
The pairing was a masterclass in tactical balance:
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Paul Medati: Known for his smooth cue action and meticulous safety play, Medati provided the “anchor” for the duo.
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John Virgo: The flair player. Even then, Virgo possessed a flamboyant shot-making ability that kept opponents on their heels.
Their victory in the Coral Pairs was a testament to the Salford snooker scene, which at the time was arguably the most competitive hub in the UK. Facing off against seasoned veterans, the duo’s telepathic understanding of each other’s game saw them breeze through the final rounds, culminating in a celebration that lasted well into the Manchester night.
Legacy of the Class of ’76
While Virgo went on to become a household name—reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship and winning the UK Championship in 1979—Medati remained the quintessential “player’s player.” Medati, who sadly passed away in 2008, is remembered as a gentleman of the sport, a man whose contribution to the fabric of Northern snooker cannot be overstated.
Looking at the grainy, black-and-white photograph half a century later, the wide lapels and jubilant grins tell a story of a sport on the precipice of greatness. It captures the exact moment the “Salford Boys” became kings of the green baize.
