Jimmy White confirms he will play into his 60s after being handed controversial two-year snooker Tour Card

JIMMY WHITE is eyeing a Crucible hat-trick this weekend – after confirming he will play into his 60s.

The Whirlwind will face Bolton potter Tony Knowles, 65, in the first round of the World Seniors, which he has dominated over the past two seasons.

The Londoner, 59, has accepted a two-year Tour Card and is determined to carry on playing on the main tour for as long as possible.

He is certainly in a far better mood compared to the devastation he felt following defeat to Stephen Hendry in the first round of qualifying for the Betfred World Snooker Championship.

White told Eurosport: “I’m absolutely delighted to get this invite.

“When I said thank you to Barry Hearn, he replied that ‘I had earned that’. I was pleased of that and very proud. I will give it my all for two years.

“I am back playing really well now. I lost all my focus and discipline against Stephen.

“I have to cancel that game. Hopefully I can do that by winning the Seniors.

“I love the game still. And I am still playing to a good standard.

“At my age you have to work on the concentration. I intend to play well this season and stay on by earning my place.

“If I get offered another wildcard, then I will take it. I am not ready to play bad golf yet.”

White, who lost in six world finals in the 80s and 90s, beat Irishman Ken Doherty 5-4 in the Seniors final last August in Sheffield for his second successive title.

The 2021 event starts on Thursday with Hendry versus Patsy Fagan the plum first-round draw.

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