Exec Peterborough
Press Release 21 October 2011
Jimmy White hopes to retain his World Seniors Championship title in Peterborough
JIMMY White believes he can still reproduce the form of his hey-day as he looks forward to defending his World Seniors Championship crown in Peterborough.
The Whirlwind won the inaugural event last year by beating Steve Davis 4-1 in the final, and he'll be trying to repeat that success at Exec Peterborough at the East of England Showground on November 5 and 6.
"My form comes and goes, which is what happens when you're an old campaigner," said the 49-year-old, who has won 10 ranking events. "You just have to keep punching, and every now and then it all comes together, and when that happens I can beat anyone.
"It was fantastic to win the first World Seniors title last year, I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to try to defend it in Peterborough in a few weeks time. After I get back from the PTC event in Ireland next week I'll be concentrating on getting my game ready. It's going to be tough this year because there are a lot of very good players in it."
White has been drawn against former World No 2 and fellow crowd favourite Tony Knowles in the first round. "Tony and I have had some great battles over the years," added White. "I played some exhibitions with him in Thailand recently, he's still got it and he still wants to win. I'll need to give it 100 per cent."
Alongside White, Davis and Knowles, legends of snooker such as Dennis Taylor, John Parrott, Cliff Thorburn, Joe Johnson and Doug Mountjoy will be competing for the £18,000 top prize in the tournament which will be televised live by Sky Sports to an estimated viewing audience of 1.5 million.
Tickets are now on sale. To book call 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets.
Jimmy White