Sport

White loses to qualifier

JIMMY WHITE could have made his last appearance at the Crucible Theatre after a shock 10-9 defeat late last night against qualifier…

Thu Apr 24 1997 - 01:00

JIMMY WHITE could have made his last appearance at the Crucible Theatre after a shock 10-9 defeat late last night against qualifier Anthony Hamilton in the World Championship.

White, six times a Sheffield runner-up, squandered an 8-4 lead, and must now qualify for next year's final stages after losing his place in snooker's top 16.

It was only the third first-round defeat for White since making his Crucible debut in 1981. Hamilton, the world number 22, will play John Parrott for a place in the quarter-finals after the greatest success of his six-year professional career.

White had made the perfect start to the match during the first session. Helped by breaks of 81, 53 and 125 he raced 5-1 ahead playing like his old self. Even when Hamilton struck back with a couple of frames White finished the session with a run of 38 to lead 6-3

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When the match resumed last night White pulled further clear, going 8-4 up after his opponent had generously called himself for a foul. That inspired Hamilton rather than deflated him and he stunned his White with breaks of 78, 96, 65 and 52 to draw level at 8-8.

White scored only 31 points as Hamilton piled up 350 in reply and another run of 41 took Hamilton 9-8 ahead - the first time he had been in front for the whole game. White bravely levelled after a 45-minute penultimate frame but could not kill off Hamilton's spirited challenge.

He had his chances again in the decider, leading 36-1, but Hamilton's break of 54 proved settled the match.

After securing a second round meeting with Parrott, Hamilton said confidently: "I am sure Jimmy will get straight back in the top 16. He is different class. As long as he gets his nut down he'll have no problems and I can see him making the top 10 again.

He was one of the reasons why I took up the game in the first place. Afterwards Jimmy was brilliant, wished me luck and said well played. He's a gentleman that's why he's so popular.

Mind you, I don't think I'll be booking any holidays in Sheffield for a couple of years because I'm probably public enemy number one.