White carrying on
Jimmy White has revealed he wants to play snooker until 65 – giving him at least another two years on the baize.
The Whirlwind still thinks he can qualify for top ranking tournaments, but said he is going to approach next season very differently.
“This last year my schedule was too busy,” he said, I was all over the place doing exhibitions and my preparation wasn’t the greatest.
“I have to manage it a bit differently for the next two years but if I don’t find some form, this will be my last two years.
“You’ve got to show the form on the table. My game is in good shape but I’ve not got any results this year.
“If I didn’t think I could win, I wouldn’t play. The minute I think I can’t win, I won’t play. But I don’t take any regard of what people say about me playing on.
“Is there a chance I’ll play at 70? No. I’m going to see out these two years and if I find some consistency, then I’ll make a decision.
“But if I don’t, I’m going to go and play bad golf.”
Heavy favourite
While White will be ruing his draw, Ken Doherty must be eyeing round 2.
The 1997 World Champion will face Charl Jonck at 2.15pm.
The Irishman is a 1/41 favourite against the South African, who has been a regular winner of the South African Championship, but hasn’t done much on the pro tour.
What’s it all about, Alfie
Jimmy White makes his debut in this year’s competition at midday.
The Whirlwind is one of the most famous and beloved snooker players ever and a four-time winner of this event – a record.
But while he comes into the match as one of the players expected to make a lot of noise in the competition, he has been handed a tough draw in the first round.
He is facing Alfie Burden – a player 15 years White’s junior and currently ranked 13 places above him on the professional tour.
Burden, ranked 80 to White’s 93, has been a fringe qualifier in a number of events in the last couple of years and reached the third round of the Saudi Arabia Masters earlier this year.
The match is also a replay of the 2023 Seniors final, which White won in a close 5-3 shootout.
It could definitely have been easier for the Whirlwind.
