Jimmy White is one the most popular players in snooker history - and definitely one of mine.

Willie Thorne aside, White is my favourite player of all time. How many people have watched the Whirlwind at the Crucible? Thousands- plus millions more on TV.

The late-night finishes have made snooker's World Championship what it is today - scintillating viewing, and White has only added to my enjoyment of the sport. The weekend of the final is essential viewing in my house and spaced over two days is the perfect way to spend a spring Bank Holiday.

'While White's form has dropped, he is capable of playing well'


I have been fortunate enough to visit the famous Crucible Theatre on a few occasions during my university days at Sheffield and there is a buzz in the whole city when the finals are on.

However, this year something is missing in the shape of Jimmy White.  It is sad to see and although the tournament is sure to be a classic, the absence of the Whirlwind will disappoint many of his fans who have become used to his antics in Sheffield. He is by far the most successful snooker player never to win the tournament - especially having reached six finals

White is now 45 and had to qualify for the championships as his ranking is not high enough to gain direct entry. He said in 2006, when he slipped down the rankings and out of the top 16, that he would be back playing at the top of his game, but has since fallen outside the top 32 ranked players and therefore has to qualify for the tournament.

Many people now think that White should retire and start a career in TV commentary like Terry Griffiths, Dennis Taylor and Willie Thorne, who have done well. But I don't think White is finished in the game yet. 

Top players all have dips in form and while White's form has dropped, he is capable of playing well.

Just look at one of his long-term rivals, Steve Davis, who is older than White but still a regular on the circuit. In fact, Davis combines playing and TV commentary for the BBC, allowing him to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Snooker is a big confidence game and White is certainly lacking in in his shot-making and break building. I don't think anyone who follows snooker would deny him another chance at World Championship glory but first he needs to start playing more consistently and moving his ranking in the right direction.

It would be a shame to see the Whirlwind bow out at this point in his career. Maybe he wants a different life now, spending time with his kids and ridding himself of the pressures of travelling on the snooker tour.

I doubt Jimmy can return to the glory years of the '80s and '90s.  I feel the talent in the game is just too good for White's standard of play at the moment.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has already taken White's place as the shot-making 'rocket' of snooker. But White should not give up. He is a hero to many snooker fans. Everyone felt for him during those Crucible finals and there has never been such a popular player in the history of the game.

C'mon Jimmy, you can do it!