After several weeks of speculation media reports coming from sources close to Jimmy White appear to show that this legend has managed to secure a tour place via World Snooker thanks to a wildcard.
This is brilliant news for someone like myself who has been a fan for many years and has supported him through his career highs and lows. Jimmy may not win anything on the main tour anymore but he has had success on the Seniors tour, proving that this 57 year old still has the X Factor. White along with Alex Higgins have been trailblazers for the sport piloting “naughty snooker “ on the green baize. His attacking style of play, text book use of the rest and ambidextrous play have meant that snooker fans have been treated to years of memorable matches.
White’s dispatch by Ali Carter in the World Championship qualifiers was a shock but not really a surprise. Although Jimmy now manages to win a first round, he can’t now seem to progress deeper into any tournament. Not because he’s not a excellent player but due to the fact that the standard of play in the sport has been massively raised in recent years. I would be the first to attack any player that doesn’t play well but I can see that White is trying and for that he has my ultimate respect and shows that he still has that drive; the drive to compete and win.
Having met Jimmy several times he always is approachable and remembers names. His schedule must be manic, racing between tournaments and exhibitions but he always takes time out to speak to friends and colleagues and has even seen saying hello to someone on Face-time. My good friend Colin Phillips; an exhibition organiser, has Jimmy playing in an exhibition in June where he will take time out to play a frame of snooker against various members of the public. That is dedication and shows that the grassroots of the sport matter.
The secret to Jimmy’s success is probably not dedication but definitely drive. Unlike many players snooker is his life and that is such an admirable quality. Having kicked the cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes habit, the Whirlwind can not be seen with a tea or coffee, playing a friendly game of cards with his manager Kevin Kelly. But give him a cue and he is quickly off to the nearest table. Jimmy is also a talented presenter and commentator and is now well established as a Eurosport presenter with his sidekick Neal Foulds. Using his expertise of the game White is able to contribute and educate, giving back some of his peaks of wisdom to the viewer.
As for the future, who knows? But it is clear that Jimmy doesn’t want to bow out and I and all Whirlwind fans don’t want him to. His schedule is full and I believe that he will be around for many more years, probably longer than Fred Davis!
So wherever you are, expect to see Jimmy on television as a player or pundit and never write this man off because he won’t let you. Like a fine wine, he just gets better and there is always another White day when the previous one is over.
