Alan McManus on why Jimmy White never won a World Snooker Championship - 'He just went for everything'
Published 16/10/2024 at 16:04 GMT+1
Jimmy White lost in the final of the World Championship in 1984, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994 to Steve Davis, John Parrott and four times against Stephen Hendry, respectively. He came closest to lifting the famous trophy when he missed the black off the spot in the final frame of an 18-17 loss to Hendry 30 years ago, but Alan McManus feels his best chance came against Davis a decade earlier.
White's fluke shot helps veteran win frame at Saudi Arabia Masters
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jimmy 'Whirlwind' White blew his greatest chance to lift the world title in his narrow 18-16 defeat to fellow Englishman Steve Davis in 1984, the first of six agonising final defeats at the Crucible, because he did not possess a proper safety game.
Alan McManus also believes his fellow Eurosport pundit White would have been better equipped to deal with the challenge at his peak in the modern game, as players opt for a more cautious approach at the elite level.
White had battled back from 12-4 behind on the first day to close to 17-16 behind before an errant attempt at a long pot sealed White's fate in his maiden appearance in the sport's biggest match.
"I know it is harking back to the good old days, but I think back to the final in 1984," said McManus on the World Snooker podcast.
"I remember it. 18-16 Steve beat Jimmy. I just think if Jimmy had any sort of defensive game whatsoever, he would have won.
"I know the game is about scoring. Of course it is, that's the most important thing. I understand that.
"I just think ... the last shot Jimmy played in that final was a long green. He missed it straight on.
"I know it was different times, but I just feel that if Jimmy had any sort of defensive game, he would have won.
"I don't mean totally defensive, I mean any sort of defence. He just literally went for everything."
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Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, who defeated the popular Tooting potter four times in the celebrated Sheffield showpiece, agreed with his fellow Scotsman's take on how the game has evolved.
"I watch games now, and I can't believe the shots people are turning down," he said. "The game has changed."
White also led Hendry 14-8 in the 1992 final before losing the last 10 frames in an 18-14 defeat, and missed a black ball off the spot in the final frame of an 18-17 loss to Hendry two years later.
It was his sixth and final appearance in the World Championship final.
SIX OF THE WORST: White's Crucible FINALS
- 1984 - lost 18-16 to Steve Davis
- 1990 - lost 18-12 to Stephen Hendry
- 1991 - lost 18-11 to John Parrott
- 1992 - lost 18-14 to Stephen Hendry
- 1993 - lost 18-5 to Stephen Hendry
- 1994 - lost 18-17 to Stephen Hendry
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