Snooker legend Jimmy White has named his top five players in history, including rivals he faced in World Championship finals. The 63-year-old, who turned professional in 1980 and won 10 ranking titles, selected Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Mark Selby and Judd Trump.
White, a six-time world finalist, has previously declared O'Sullivan the greatest of all time. Speaking to Eurosport in 2023, he said: 'Seven world titles, seven UK titles, seven Masters titles, more than 1,200 centuries... why he's so good is because he makes the game look so easy.'
He lost to Hendry in four world finals but called him 'a great champion' who 'got into his own bubble and nothing fazed him'. However, White regards six-time world champion Davis as his toughest opponent, saying: 'For me, the hardest player in my career to beat.'
White praised Selby, who won his fourth world title in 2021, as 'ruthless on the snooker table' and 'probably the toughest' tactically. Of current world number one Trump, White said after his 2024 UK Championship win: 'He's rounded his game... he's a great shot-maker... an incredible snooker player.'
The remarks came after an exhibition match against Ken Doherty at the Midnite Lounge during the Masters.
