Cue the Whirlwind

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Jimmy White is one of the most well known faces in snooker and I have long been a fan of his.With a career spanning over 40 years, White has established himself as an exciting and mesmerising player to watch. His long ball game is second to none and rather like his great friend, Alex Higgins, he is often often to pull a shot from his sleeve that no one ever expected, In fact in Jimmy’s case his slogan should be “ to expect the unexpected” I have met Jimmy several times at tournaments and even though I am seeing him again, his presence still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, that is due to respect not fear.

Jimmy has had a career to date that many players would sell their cue for and has won every title apart from the World Championship. First turning professional in 1980 after years of spending in his local club in Tooting, White has achieved a televised 147 in 1992. He spent 21 seasons in the top 16 and has amassed over £4 million in career earnings. With 10 major titles under his belt, Jimmy really is a class act that has had me many times on the edge of my seat when I have seen him play.

In recent years, White has expanded his career portfolio, combining life on the professional tour with exhibition work, a place on the Seniors tour with great success and punditry work for Eurosport’s snooker coverage.Jimmy really is an inspiration to other players with his longevity but as he says as long as he plays well, he will keep playing. In fact I heard the other day from a friend that he had knocked in a 147 in practice.

Jimmy is also an accomplished pool and poker play and J will never forget his classic paring in the Mosconi Cup in 1995 with Alex Higgins , playing for Europe and they won the title., 16-15. This left handed player shows that the sky is truly the limit and even when your chips are down, there is always a means to beat your opponent. Jimmy has been an inspiration to so many players and caused quite a few to first pick a cue after watching him play. I admire him because despite his tribulations off the table, he has always picked himself up and bounced back. This a quality that few have and so many more can’t maintain. If you have a moment, go on social media and watch this true master in some of his matches. I guarantee you will hooked and become a fan like Ihttps://youtu.be/0ifZglGgKGI did.

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