JIMMY WHITE sensationally qualified for the UK Championship at the age of 60 and then vowed: I can win the title again.
The Whirlwind gave everyone a reminder of his timeless ability on the baize as he booked his spot in the 32-player main draw at the Barbican in York.
White thumped Welshman Dominic Dale 6-1 in a scrappy fourth and final round of qualifying in Sheffield.
It was 30 years ago that he won this prestigious Triple Crown by beating John Parrott in the final at the Preston Guild Hall.
And he said: “If I didn’t think I couldn’t win, I wouldn’t play.
“Where does this rank in my career? You will have to ask me after I win it.
“Because I am not here to make the numbers up. If I bring my A game, I can win the competition.â€
White – who was handed a two-year Tour Card in 2021 – dropped just five frames across four matches, notably beating Stephen Maguire 6-4 in his penultimate qualifier.
He has become the first player in his 60s to reach the final stages of a major tournament for 29 years.
The last pro to make the last 32 of a big tournament in their seventh decade was the Australia Eddie Charlton at the International Open in 1993.
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Though White mistakenly thought he might be next facing Jack Lisowski, it is an open draw and there is the prospect he could play a top name like Ronnie O̢۪Sullivan, Judd Trump or Mark Selby.
White, who famously lost in six world finals at the Crucible, dedicated yesterday’s victory to his ‘Nana’ who has not been well recently.
The world No.89 said: “We are very lucky us snooker players.
“It’s not like football or boxing. If you have the passion to practice and you can still keep your game in fairly good shape, then you can still go on.
“Look at me, I am still playing.
“I don’t care who I play now. Listen, each one of these guys are in the top 16 for a reason because they are consistent.
“They are all top players. I am down in the rankings because I am not consistent. But my A game can compete with any of them.
“As we have gone on in the decades, you have Ronnie O’Sullivan who plays the game so exciting. You have Judd Trump back in form.
“So, it’s a pleasure to be amongst these guys. I will go home now, rest and go to York on Friday.
“I’m just so pleased. There is nothing wrong with my game, it’s only mental with me, and that’s what I am focused on that.â€
