Jimmy White is the most famous snooker player in the world. Born in Balham, London, Jimmy has enjoyed an impressive career that has seen him win 30 professional titles. His flamboyant style is well-known, as well as his natural talent. His success has seen him rise to the top in the sport in many different countries.
A member of England's World Cup team in 1988, he also won the English Amateur Championship in 1979. He won the World Doubles Championship in tandem with Alex Higgins. This has made him a well-known sportsman and humorous after-dinner speaker. In addition to his snooker skills, he is an avid conservationist. As such, he has worked with award winning documentary teams and is an avid animal lover.
Having started his professional career in the 1980s, Jimmy White reached the final of the British Open and the Masters. After a successful early career, he remained in the top eight for most of his career. His fortunes started to plummet in the 1990s. Although he wasn't able to recreate his previous success, he did manage to stay in the main tour for a second season.
Jimmy White is known as an underdog. White was a player with a bold style and a determined streak. He fought for his spot in the sport with unflinching determination. His 1999 world semi final was his proudest moment.
He did not lose a frame in his qualifying matches. But when it came to his next two tournaments, he fell short of a victory, losing in deciding frames to Xiao Guodong and Matthew Selt. Despite the setbacks however, he continued to enjoy good performances throughout this year.
He won three matches at full-ranking tournaments in 2014/15. But, he lost to Barry Hawkins during the International Championship. It was a disappointing end to his season. Despite this, he finished in the top eight outside the top 64 on the main list.
Jimmy White was the youngest ever to win the ranking tournament the following season. During the course of the tournament, he defeated Stephen Hendry, Mark Selby and David Morris. He was able secure his spot in the top 64 professional ranks with his win.
Jimmy White stars in BBC2's Docu-Series Gods Of Snooker. He is a favourite of snooker players around the world and has become a beloved figure. When he isn’t playing, his time is split between snooker play and public speaking. Often called upon to host awards ceremonies and high profile corporate events, he shares his experience of the sport with audiences.
Having fought for his place in the top 64 of the sport, Jimmy White made the most of his opportunity in China. He qualified for the International Championship to ensure his place in the top 64 for another season. He was the second player overall to achieve a maximum break in this tournament.