Jimmy White aims to end 19-year ranking title drought at German Masters snooker – ‘I know I can be a tournament winner’

Jimmy ‘Whirlwind’ White feels he is playing well enough to challenge for a major ranking title ahead of his German Masters opener in Berlin on Wednesday.

White last won a tournament on the main professional circuit at the 2004 Players Championship in Glasgow with a 9-7 victory over Paul Hunter, but is in a buoyant mood before his trip to the Tempodrom this week.

The six-time world finalist qualified for the 13th German Masters courtesy of qualifying victories against Mark Joyce (5-3) and Martin Gould (5-2) and is hopeful he can continue his snooker renaissance with a win over 21-year-old Chinese talent Peng Yisong in the last 32 LIVE on Eurosport.

“I actually know I can be a tournament winner,” said the Eurosport analyst, who intends to focus on his playing career for the next five years.

“I’m going to have to stay doing exactly what I’m doing and not get too wrapped up in it when its happening. I have to stay in the moment.

“I have to keep improving mentally. All parts of my game. The practice, living properly and enjoying competing. When your confidence goes, so many things go through your mind, but I know my game is in shape.

“I’ve had to go full circle. If I don’t win another tournament, it won’t be for not trying. Make no mistake, I’ve got to keep my feet on ground and keep building this confidence.”

White famously lifted his first ranking title with a 13-12 win against Cliff Thorburn at the 1986 Mercantile Credit Classic after needing a snooker against ‘The Grinder’ in the final two balls of a dramatic match in Warrington.

“20/25 years ago, the horse has done it, has had its race, but I always knew my game was there in bits and pieces because I still make maximums, but now it is there,” he said. “All parts of the game are there. It is just about staying calm.

“That kid from the 70s, I talk to him every day. I’ve got pictures of me winning the Mercantile Credit, my first ever tournament. It took me forever to win a ranking event because of my open play.

“I’ve watched painful misses and great shots. I’m alright with it now so onwards and upwards.”

While Steve Davis, his major rival from the 1980s, quit the sport seven years ago after fading from prominence and Stephen Hendry, the man who denied him four times in world finals, is playing part-time for fun with little success, White remains a serious competitor among the sport’s elite.

“Because I’m a natural player, if it’s all working right then I can play unbelievable. But the technique I had couldn’t keep it going, certain parts would always fail. I didn’t realise that until nine months ago. We have worked all that out and at the moment I am really enjoying it. I don’t have any regrets because I am far from finished.

“I have nothing to prove, I could go tomorrow and still do exhibitions, do my Eurosport work and win all the senior events. But I’m interested in competing with the current players.

“I still believe that my top game wins. It’s obviously a big ask for me to win the World Championship, but if I can keep my game and my mental strength improving then I can do some real damage.”

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