White back to winning ways in time for crucible

Jimmy White goes to Sheffield this weekend believing he can exorcise the nightmares of six World Championship final defeats.

The rejuvenated Whirlwind has emerged as a genuine contender for snooker’s top prize after a memorable season, topped off by last night’s emotional victory in the Daily Record Players Championship.

White defeated Wembley Masters champion Paul Hunter 9-7 at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.

And though it will not go down as one of the game’s greatest ever finals, it will be memorable for other reasons.

White’s win, watched by his 84-year-old dad Tommy, was his first in a world ranking event for 12 years.

There have been plenty of times when he never expected to pick up a trophy again. But he has shown tremendous resilience in the face of adversity to prove his critics wrong. “I can go to Sheffield a very happy man,” said the new champion.