Jimmy White suffers agonising loss in World Snooker Championship qualifiers but fans may still see icon, 62, at Crucible
JIMMY WHITE will NOT feature at this year’s World Snooker Championship after losing in the second round of qualifying.
The six-time runner-up, 62, has not played at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre since 2006.
Now ranked No93 in the world, the Whirlwind was at the English Institute of Sport this week attempting to qualify.
White defeated Anton Kazakov in round one, dramatically coming back from a 7-3 deficit to prevail 10-9.
The veteran couldn’t repeat his heroics in round two against Ashley Carty.
White quickly fell 6-1 behind to the world No67.
He did rally somewhat, narrowing the deficit to 8-5.
But Carty held his nerve to win 10-5.
The 29-year-old Yorkshireman will meet China‘s Pang Junxu in round three.
White, meanwhile, will hope to receive a wildcard in order to keep playing on snooker‘s pro tour.
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The Londoner was previously handed a wildcard by snooker supremo Barry Hearn in 2016.
Earlier this year, White said: “I got mine on merit the last couple of years.
“Barry did say to me, what I’ve done for the game, as long as I keep playing in all of the events, then I’ll keep getting the wildcard.
“I enjoy practising, enjoy doing exhibitions, enjoy entertaining.
“I still make 147s and now and again I have a little buzz where I can beat anybody.”
Ronnie O’Sullivan‘s participation in this year’s World Snooker Championship remains in doubt.
The Rocket, 49, has withdrawn from the last five ranking events.
Hopes have been raised that he could appear at the Crucible, after he hit a 147 in practice.
He will make his decision after three practice sessions this week against a pro player.