Jimmy White tells critics of Crucible hosting World Seniors Championship: Get a life

There are some who suggest the World Seniors Snooker Championship should not be held at the Crucible, but Jimmy White tells those people: ‘Get a life.’

The Seniors event began on Wednesday night at the iconic theatre in Sheffield, just two days after Wu Yize won the World Snooker Championship in the same building.

It is a chance for players who have formerly walked out at the Crucible to do so again, while some who have never come close to gracing the venue in the World Championship have the opportunity to do so at Seniors level.

The World Seniors Championship has been held at the Crucible since 2019, but world number 31 Dave Gilbert is not on board with it.

The Angry Farmer feels the venue is snooker’s hallowed ground and should be kept for the pinnacle of the sport alone.

‘It’s a special place,’ he said. ‘It’s brilliant that it’s staying there, you know.

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‘It’s a travesty for any professional that doesn’t get to play there, it is a special place. I hate that they play the Seniors there. I think that’s shocking.

‘The only people that should play at the Crucible are people that go through this qualifying school or a top 16 professional. It’s not for hacking around in exhibitions. It’s the Mecca of snooker.

‘I’ve played all around the world, in Saudi and that, but to me they’re absolutely boring and rubbish.

‘I’m old, you see, so I’m not into it all the time, but the Crucible’s the one.

‘The aura about the place and how unique it is, you know. You find out, you either sink or swim and that’s it, you know what I mean?’

White has won the World Seniors Championship four times, more than any other player, and he has no sympathy for Gilbert’s point of view.

On how he would respond to the opinion, the Whirlwind told Metro: ‘Get a life! Listen, this is why we’re here. Why not?

‘It’s a World Championship, the World Seniors. I don’t know why people would say that. It don’t make any sense.’

Ken Doherty has been to two World Seniors finals, and along with White is playing in this year’s tournament again.

The Darlin of Dublin does understand where Gilbert is coming from but still feels the Crucible can host the Seniors as well as the elite professionals.

Not least because it allows fans to experience the theatre who could not get hold of tickets or possibly could not afford the ones on sale at the World Championship.

‘I know what he means, but listen, why not?’ Doherty told Metro. ‘I know it’s the home of the World Championship, but it can be the home of the World Seniors Championship as well.

‘It’s a special event, so why not? It’s hard to get tickets for the World Championship. It’s a little bit easier for this, but still, there’s been great crowds and the atmosphere is electric. No, I think it’s a great idea to have it here.’

White opened his Seniors campaign with a win over Daniel Ward on Thursday afternoon, saying ahead of the match of a return to the Crucible: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing.

‘This is why you play. The Seniors is a big event for us because the winner gets in the Champion of Champions.

‘Also, you’re playing in the Crucible Theatre. You know, I’m so lucky to still be playing.’

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