Pinches puts Whirlwind back in doldrums

JIMMY WHITE is no nearer to realising his dream of becoming world champion even after his best season in a decade.

The Whirlwind arrived in Sheffield on a high after his victory over Paul Hunter in the recent Daily Record Players Championship.

But he admitted to being snookered out after his 10-8 defeat by Norfolk qualifier Barry Pinches yesterday.

Pinches needed just 19 minutes of a third, and unscheduled, session to achieve the best result of his 15-year pro-career.

"I'm delighted to have won a ranking tournament again and to secure my place in the top 16," said the 41-year-old Londoner.

"But if I'm honest, it's probably taken a bit too much out of me. Maybe it's because of my age.

"I feel played out," added the six-times Crucible runner-up, who reached the European Open final and two other major semi-finals in addition to his Glasgow triumph of nine days ago.

"There is always a shock at Sheffield and unfortunately today it is me. I just feel drained and I was missing balls all over the place. I tried my best, but I got beat."

White had three hours between the last two sessions to revive his energy levels. And he looked a good bet to force a decider when taking a 30-0 lead.

However, he missed a red, later fluffed a black and the final brown, allowing Pinches to flop over the line.

"A win is a win," said the 33-year-old world number 36.

"I did improve in the second half of the game, but I can play a lot better than that."

Pinches, who could face seven-times champion Stephen Hendry for a quarter-final place, is back at The Crucible for the first time since 1991.

And after ending the hopes of the People's Champion, Pinches agreed: "It just felt like my debut. I struggled a little bit early on because it took me a while to get used to the crowd. I couldn't believe all the screaming when Jimmy came out. It was surreal. I just tried to concentrate and do the best I could. Maybe the crowd hindered Jimmy," added Pinches, now guaranteed £17,000 the best pay day of his life.

Pinches began a long day trailing 4-3 after yesterday's opening session ended two frames short due to slow play.

After winning a re-spotted black finish to go ahead for the first time at 5-4, Pinches was never behind again.

White's 120 break was easily the highlight of a poor quality game, though Pinches also reached three figures to lead 7-6. However, it was tense stuff all the way to the dramatic finale.

"It's a terrific win for me, winning a match at The Crucible on television and against Jimmy White. If this doesn't get me noticed nothing will," said Pinches, who again sported a yellow-and-green waistcoat in support of his favourite football team, Norwich City.

"I dropped off the Tour about four years ago and it's hard to believe I'm back to this level.

Scotland's Graeme Dott also edges out England's Mark King 10-9.