Whirlwind sent spinning out
Whirlwind sent spinning out
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Thursday, 20, Apr 2006 10:07
Fans' favourite Jimmy White has been knocked out of the World Championship at the Crucible in the first round.
The snooker veteran was despatched by close friend David Gray who triumphed with a convincing 10-5 win in Sheffield.
Despite years in the world top ten White has never won the Crucible tournament and it now looks increasingly unlikely he ever will.
The result drops him out of the world's top 32 for the first time in 15 years meaning he will have to undergo two round of qualifying for next year's event.
The Whirlwind showed signs of nerves throughout the match, missing several big shots which could and perhaps should have swung the match in his favour.
"I've played really well in practice but you need to do it under pressure - it was very frustrating," he admitted.
The Londoner also vowed that this major set back will not prevent him from going through the laborious process of challenging the amateur players to qualify for the tournament next year.
"I still love this game and still think I'm good enough to compete. I'll carry on until I know I can't play anymore," he added.
"I'll go to Prestatyn for the qualifiers, give it my all and hopefully get back in next year."