Professional Career
White has won ten ranking tournaments, including the British Open (1987 and 1992) and the UK Championship (1992). However, since he first entered the World Championship in 1981 that title has remained elusive, despite him reaching the final six times (1984, 1990-1994). White is also one of only five players to have completed a maximum 147 break at the World Championships (1992). He held the number 2 spot for along time and is usually considered as one of the great players of the game.
White's first-round defeat in the 2006 world championships White has now dropped out of the world's top-32 player rankings. This means that he will have to pre-qualify for next year's championships, which he is determined to do. Style
Sometimes called the "People's Champion", White is one of the most popular players in history of snooker and surely amongst the most naturally gifted of players, he continued along the path set by Alex Higgins with his aggressive and almost 'exhibitionist' style in the early 1980s.
Despite the great entertainment he provided, White had a tendency to lose concentration under pressure and miss simple shots, particularly at critical moments. But for these, the record books could have been very different. This image of "nearly man" has earned the affection in which he is held, particularly when compared to Steve Davis in the 80s and his nemesis Stephen Hendry in the 90s, both of whom played excellent, if not quite so entertaining, snooker. Personal Life
White has suffered from testicular cancer and had one testicle removed, later making a full recovery.
He had minor trouble with the law over alcohol and drugs. Even so, his contribution to snooker has been substantial and he was awarded an MBE in 1999.
White was formerly married to Maureen and has five children. He currently lives in Epsom and supports Chelsea F.C. Ranked Tournaments Won - Mercantile Credit Classic - 1986, 1991
- Rothmans Grand Prix - 1986, 1992
- British Open - 1987, 1992
- Canadian Masters - 1988
- European Open - 1992
- UK Championship - 1992
- Players Championship - 2004
Non - Ranked Tournaments Won - English Amateur Championship - 1979
- World Amateur Championship - 1980
- Scottish Masters - 1981
- Northern Ireland Classic - 1981
- Carlsberg Challenge - 1984, 1985
- Hofmeister World Doubles - 1984 (with A. Higgins)
- Benson & Hedges Masters - 1984
- Thailand Masters - (season) 1984/85
- Irish Masters - 1985, 1986
- Pot Black - 1986
- Malaysian Masters - (season) 1986/87
- Hong Kong Masters - 1988
- World Matchplay - 1989, 1990
- Mita World Masters - Men's Singles - 1991
- Canal Plus European Challenge - 1991
- Matchroom League - 1993
- Pontin's Professional Tournament - 1999
- Nations Cup - 2000
Back to articles page
|
