Jimmy White’s Crucible Dream Shattered Again as 19-Year Wait Rolls On
Snooker Legend Falls in Heartbreaking World Championship Qualifier Defeat to Ashley Carty
Jimmy White’s hopes of returning to the iconic Crucible Theatre have been dashed once again, extending his absence from snooker’s biggest stage to nearly two decades. The 62-year-old legend, affectionately known as ‘The Whirlwind,’ was defeated 10-5 by Ashley Carty in the second round of the World Championship qualifiers at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.
White, currently ranked 93rd in the world, has not graced the Crucible since a first-round loss in 2006. Despite coming close several times, he has fallen short in qualifying every year since. His six heartbreaking defeats in World Championship finals between 1984 and 1994 remain a bittersweet part of snooker history, highlighting his brilliance and misfortune in equal measure.
Earlier in the week, White ignited a flicker of hope among fans with a vintage comeback win over Ukraine’s Anton Kazakov. Trailing heavily, he stormed back with six straight frames, showing flashes of the flair and grit that once made him a household name. However, against 29-year-old Ashley Carty from Rotherham, that spark was not enough. Carty surged ahead early, leading 5-1, and though White responded with a spirited 107 break, the momentum never fully turned in his favor. Carty’s composed breaks of 62 and 63 sealed the match.
The World Championship qualifying is a brutal battleground, starting with 144 hopefuls. With only 16 spots available for non-seeded players, the four-round gauntlet is unforgiving. Players are seeded into the draw based on ranking, meaning lower-ranked stars like White must battle from the early stages—a daunting path that grows harder with each passing year.
