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Snooker Legend Jimmy White Faces World Snooker Tour Exit
Veteran snooker player Jimmy ‘Whirlwind’ White is in danger of being removed from the World Snooker Tour (WST) as his ranking has declined to 93rd. The celebrated snooker personality recently experienced a loss in the World Championship qualifying rounds, which puts his professional standing at risk. This situation highlights the precarious nature of professional snooker and the competitive pressure faced by even established figures in the sport.
World Championship Qualifying Defeat and Ranking Implications
White suffered a 10-5 defeat against Ashley Carty in the second qualifying round held in Sheffield. While the 62-year-old hasn’t reached the main draw of the World Championship since 2006, this recent setback carries significant consequences extending beyond his participation in snooker’s premier tournament. The top 64 players in the two-year rankings, along with a further four individuals outside of this threshold from the one-year list, are automatically granted tour cards guaranteeing participation for the subsequent two years.
Previous Tour Card Acquisition and Current Season Struggles
In 2023, White successfully secured his tour card by virtue of being among the select four players outside the top 64 on the one-year ranking list. This was underpinned by a strong prior season that saw him qualify for the prestigious UK Championship. However, the current season has proven challenging for ‘The Whirlwind’, making it improbable he will retain his tour card through the same route this year. His notable performance this season includes reaching the last 32 stage in only one ranking event, the Northern Ireland Open.
Pathways to Tour Card Retention
As a former world No. 2 with 10 ranking titles to his name, White’s most viable avenue for securing a tour card may hinge on discretionary invitations. Both the WST and the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association possess the authority to issue Invitational Tour Cards. White has previously benefited from this system on two occasions. Another option available to him is to re-enter Q School, a qualifying event that offers professional tour places to successful participants.
Future Plans and Reflections
White recently shared his future plans with former rival Stephen Hendry, indicating his intention to continue playing for another three years. Speaking on Hendry’s Cue Tips YouTube channel, he expressed gratitude for his ongoing ability to compete at this level.
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“For me to still be able to play and compete now is like a godsend,” White stated.
“I’m going to play for another three years, and if I don’t win a tournament I’m going to stop. I’m 62. People think, ‘Why are you doing it? You’re nuts’.”
ADHD Diagnosis and Impact on Performance
Over a year ago, White received a diagnosis of ADHD, a revelation that he admits has aided his understanding of his thoughts during matches. In an interview with Metro, he elaborated on the diagnosis and its relation to his past experiences.
“I got diagnosed with ADHD about 18 months ago. Years ago when I was taking drugs and drinking I compressed that a little bit without knowing, because my attitude was win or lose I’ll have a booze, that’s how it was in the 80s. So there was a few missed opportunities but I’m not disappointed in that,” White explained.
“Now I know that I don’t have 10-15 thoughts going on so I can focus. But I needed a bit of [Peter] Ebdon strength just to keep me cool when I’m playing. [Getting the diagnosis was] nuts. Completely nuts. I used to think, ‘What’s going on here? Shall I do this? Shall I do that?’”
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