Jimmy White Praised by Ken Doherty for Snooker Dedication

Jimmy White's Continued Passion for Snooker Earns Praise from Ken Doherty

Snooker legend Ken Doherty has recently commended fellow icon Jimmy White for his unwavering dedication to the sport, despite facing relegation from the professional tour. White, who will turn 63 in May, recently fell short in his bid to qualify for the World Championship, a tournament he hasn't appeared in since 2006.

Despite this setback, White remains one of the most popular and influential figures in snooker. His passion for the game is as strong as ever, and he has no plans to retire anytime soon. White could potentially retain his place on the tour if granted an Invitational Tour Card by the WST and WPBSA, or by earning a new tour card through the Q Tour.

Regardless of his professional status, White's legacy as a snooker great is unquestionable. Doherty, the 1997 world champion, believes that White deserves the title of "people's champion" for his immense contributions to the sport over the past four decades.

Doherty highlighted White's ongoing commitment, stating that the Londoner's dedication has never diminished. White continues to participate in exhibitions with John Virgo across the country and spends countless hours practicing. Doherty emphasized that White practices harder now than he did in his prime during the 1980s.

White's presence at the recent World Championship qualifiers was brief but characteristically dramatic. He staged a remarkable comeback in his first-round match against Anton Kazakov, overturning a 7-3 deficit to win 10-9 in a late-night finish. However, he was unable to overcome Ashley Carty in the second round, losing 10-5.

Another notable match in the qualifiers saw veteran Anthony Hamilton narrowly avoid a historic collapse against Steven Hallworth. Hamilton led 9-0 before Hallworth won eight consecutive frames, nearly completing an unprecedented comeback. Hamilton managed to hold his nerve and clinch the match 10-8 with a clearance of 69 in the 18th frame.

Key Takeaway:
Jimmy White's enduring passion for snooker and his status as a beloved figure in the sport have earned him high praise from fellow legend Ken Doherty. Despite facing relegation from the professional tour, White's dedication to the game remains undiminished, and his contributions to snooker over the past 40 years have solidified his place as an all-time great and the "people's champion."