With Jimmy White losing to Ali Carter in the World Championship qualifiers, some sports journalists and snooker bloggers have begun to contemplate the end of White’s professional career. On paper, it is obvious that Jimmy can’t continue on the tour without the aid of another wildcard or qualifying through the Q School. This is in my opinion are his only options but to write him off , you would have to be a fool. I have been a White fan for many years and have supported him through his career highs and lows. When I attend tournaments, he is always there in the Player’s Lounge. I have never really spoken to him but you can always feel his presence when he walks into a room because for me he is probably one of the best players in snooker history.
As a fan, Jimmy’s snooker career has been a frustrating one because I know the calibre of player he is. His rest play and long ball potting skills are immaculate but his attacking play does let him down when in the balls. White will always be haunted by his World Championship final defeats and I have endured every one, shouting at the television screen and hiding behind the sofa when the tension became too much. Jimmy won everything there was to win in the sport apart from the World title and this was largely due to nerves and his well documented battle with drugs and alcohol.
Even if Jimmy’s professional career is now over and I very much doubt it, his work on the Seniors, exhibition circuit and Eurosport punditry will continue. White is too good to lie down and retire, he is one of those players who lives for snooker and it is in his blood. The easy option would be if World Snooker gave him another two year wildcard in recognition of his career achievements but this seems less obvious as he has already had one. Knowing Jimmy’s battling qualities, I could envisage White if the worst came to the worst of attempting to qualify through the Q school. I am not saying it would be easy as so many good players exist and unfortunately age is on their side. However anything is possible and if anyone was going to do it, Jimmy has the skill set to achieve it.
Never write off Jimmy because he is here to stay and I do have a sneaky feeling that he will be offered another wildcard due to the pressure from inside and outside the world of snooker. He may win fewer matches these days but he is a wonderful player and more importantly a crowd pleaser. His name is recognised by people who are not even fans and he puts bums on seats, especially in London. So don’t write off the Whirlwind yet because I envisage this man will be playing well into old age because he’ll not high water will stop him!
