Snooker Legend Jimmy White Begins Crucible Comeback Quest as World Championship Qualifiers Heat Up

Six-time World Championship finalist Jimmy White is set to embark on his quest to return to the Crucible for the first time since 2006. The snooker veteran, known as “The Whirlwind,” will face Anton Kazakov in his opening qualifying match on Tuesday, April 8, at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. White, now 61, is up against the 20-year-old Ukrainian rising star, who was not even born when White last reached a world final in 1994, where he narrowly lost 18-17 to Stephen Hendry.

White first qualified for the Crucible in 1981, making a name for himself as one of snooker’s most exciting players. Despite multiple final appearances, he never managed to clinch the world title. His last appearance at the Crucible came in 2006, when he was defeated 10-5 by David Gray in the first round. Should White progress past Kazakov, he could face Ashley Carty in the second round before a potential clash with Pang Junxu in the penultimate stage of qualifying. A match against either Xu Si or Jamie Jones may stand between White and his long-awaited return to the main draw.

Another notable name in the qualifiers is 1997 world champion Ken Doherty, who will also need to win four matches to secure a spot at the Crucible. He begins his campaign against Haydon Pinhey.

Meanwhile, former UK and German Masters champion Zhao Xintong, one of the tournament favorites, will begin his journey against Ka Wai Cheung on Monday, April 7. If successful, he will meet Long Zehuang in the next round, with Lyu Haotian likely awaiting him in the third round. Zhao’s final hurdle to qualification could be a showdown with either Elliot Slessor or Marco Fu.

The women’s circuit is also well represented, with 12-time world champion Reanne Evans set to face Polish rookie Antoni Kowalski. Current women’s world champion Bai Yulu will take on Liam Highfield in her opener. Additionally, 14-year-old Polish talent Michal Szubarczyk will compete against Dean Young in the round of 144, with the possibility of a second-round match against fellow teenager Stan Moody.

All qualifying matches will be best-of-19 frames and will take place from April 7 to April 16. The winners will secure their place at the Crucible Theatre, where the 49th World Championship will be held from April 19 to May 5. Fans can watch the action live on TNT Sports and Discovery+.