Jimmy White suffers defeat to Martin O’Donnell in World Championship snooker qualifying – ‘Disappointing end to season’

Jimmy White’s hopes of a first appearance at the Crucible since 2006 were dashed by a disappointing 10-4 defeat to Martin O’Donnell in the second round of World Championship qualifying.

Having reached the last 32 of the UK Championship and last 16 of the German Masters and WST Classic this season, the six-time world finalist had high hopes of continuing to turn back the clock by returning to the sport’s biggest stage later this month.

White will return to his punditry work with Eurosport as he prepares to chase a fourth world seniors title at the Crucible next month (May 3-7).

“Firstly a massive thank you to everyone for their support over the last two days,” said White on Twitter.

“After all these years, your support is not taken for granted. Disappointing end to the season, but that’s the game we love.

“Looking forward to seeing the Eurosport team and having a run at the World Seniors.”

White was facing an uphill battle to remain alive in this year’s tournament after falling 7-2 behind against fellow Englishman O’Donnell, who is due to return to the professional circuit next season.

He lost the final four frames of the opening session after closing to 3-2 behind courtesy of an 82 break.

O’Donnell produced 77, 53 and 75 to lead 7-2 with a 66 in the third frame helping him ease 3-0 ahead, an advantage which he was not to relinquish.

White won the first two frames of the second day to close to 7-4 behind, but a 53 break was not enough to claim the 12th frame despite being first among the balls as O’Donnell hit back to move 8-4 ahead.

He comfortably secured the last two frames to advance, with a closing 68 ending White’s hopes for another year.

Despite the disappointment, White is set to provisionally earn a new two-year tour card via his form this season on the sport’s one-year list.

Aylesbury man O’Donnell will meet Noppon Saengkham in the penultimate round of qualifying on Saturday.

The 16-year-old world junior champion Stan Moody is also out in the second round of qualifying after going down 10-3 to Zhang Anda, who had led 8-1 overnight.

Zhang finished matters off with a break of 75 to go with earlier contributions of 59, 66, 60, 70, 100, 64 and 75.

Zhang will face Xiao Guodong in the third qualifying round on Saturday.

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