Snooker icon Steve Davis has heaped praise on his former rival Jimmy White, marvelling at the veteran player's ability to compete at the highest level at the age of 63.
An Enduring Rivalry Turned Mutual Respect
The six-time world champion, known as 'The Nugget', did not hold back in his admiration for 'The Whirlwind'. Their famous rivalry peaked in the 1984 World Snooker Championship final, which Davis won, the first of White's six unsuccessful final appearances at the Crucible.
Despite their intense battles on the baize, Davis's comments from an interview with Mirror Sport twelve months ago reveal nothing but respect. "How amazing," Davis said. "What is he, 62 now? That is amazing." He contrasted White's modern-day achievements with those of Fred Davis, who played at the World Championship at 64 but under a different, less competitive system.
The Challenge of Consistency in Later Career
Davis highlighted the unique challenge White faces. "For Jimmy to be competing and beating some of the top players in the world on a weekly basis is just fantastic. Long may it continue," he stated.
He also acknowledged the natural frustrations of ageing in professional sport, noting, "He knows full well he can have a really good match and then the next time it might not quite work... consistency is the problem as you get older. When he manages to put it together, it’s fantastic to watch."
White's Ongoing Snooker Journey
Jimmy White, who also has a role in an upcoming TV crime drama titled 'Write to Kill', remains a fixture on the tour. He has competed on the senior circuit since 2010 and, crucially, was awarded a fresh two-year professional card for the World Snooker Tour in April 2025, securing his place among the sport's elite.
His quest to qualify for the 2025 UK Championship in York, however, ended in the first round. White suffered a 6-2 defeat to 14-year-old Michal Szubarczyk, the youngest player on the professional tour.
Meanwhile, Steve Davis, now 68, retired from play in 2016 and has become a beloved commentator for BBC and TNT Sports, with no indication of a return to competitive play.
The 2025 UK Championship final itself will see top seed Judd Trump face Mark Selby, as Trump aims to win back-to-back titles for the first time.
