Alex Higgins’ infamous 1982 World Snooker semi-final comeback left me in awe, admits Jimmy White

Jimmy White with Alex Higgins back in 1986, four years after their Crucible semi-final rollercoaster

Jimmy White believes a world title triumph would be life-changing for Mark Allen

Jimmy White with Alex Higgins back in 1986, four years after their Crucible semi-final rollercoaster

Jimmy White believes a world title triumph would be life-changing for Mark Allen

Jimmy White with Alex Higgins back in 1986, four years after their Crucible semi-final rollercoaster

Steven Beacom Twitter

April 15 2022 03:34 PM

It’s been 40 years since the Hurricane was blown away by the emotion of winning his second World Snooker title. Happy tears misted the eyes of Alex Higgins as he cradled the trophy in one arm and baby girl Lauren in the other.

It’s also been 40 years since THAT semi-final and THAT frame against his best pal and fellow force of nature Jimmy White. Now approaching 60, the Whirlwind is as engrossing and genuine as you want heroes to be.

As we chat, White is on the road to Sheffield to work as a Discovery Eurosport expert at this year’s World Championship, which starts today. He loves calling the shots almost as much as he and Alex loved playing them.

Before Higgins defeated Ray Reardon 18-15 in the 1982 final, the Sandy Row man had to overcome protege White in what turned out to be one of the finest contests ever played at the Crucible.

Needing 16 frames to reach the decider, White, then 20, was leading 15-14 and 59-0 when Higgins shuffled to the table in his dazzling blue shirt, all genius and unpredictability. Cue a stunning 69 break with some of the most daring, high-pressure, high-wire pots executed with tightrope walker precision when one slip would have seen his downfall. Alex won the next frame too, hugging an awestruck Jimmy at the finish.

“I was at that age when I was in awe of watching my hero do the business,” says White, recalling the classic encounter with Higgins, who passed away in 2010 aged 61.

“In the frame everyone talks about I missed a ball with the rest and he produced that clearance, the one that they say was the best clearance ever under pressure. It was incredible to watch.

“When Alex was making that break he came out of position a few times and I thought I might get another chance but he pulled off some remarkable shots. It knocked me back because the next game I played some terrible shots. You have to give him credit though because it was amazing what he did under pressure to win that semi-final.

“It was a wonderful match to be involved in and so free-flowing but it was one that got away from me. I was happy Alex won the title after he beat me and to see him win the final and bring his baby on after the trophy presentation was really special. Alex was the first sportsperson to bring his baby onto the television after a big victory. Now everyone does it in sport.

“Him winning that world title was fantastic for snooker. Any professional will tell you he made the game. There’s no doubt about that. He got £25,000 for winning it. I think you get that for qualifying now!”

The 2022 victor in Sheffield will pocket £500,000. White feels Ronnie O’Sullivan can claim world title No.7, equalling the record of great Scot Stephen Hendry.

“It is going to be a great tournament. It will be interesting to see how current world champion Mark Selby plays. Obviously it has been documented that he has been suffering from depression,” says the Londoner, who agonisingly lost six finals at the Crucible.

“Judd Trump has been struggling a bit, Neil Robertson is in top form, Ronnie O’Sullivan is in top form and you could never write off John Higgins or Mark Williams. On present form I make O’Sullivan favourite.

“For me he is like watching Roger Federer or John McEnroe play tennis, Sugar Ray Leonard box or Tiger Woods play golf. He is the man. No one hits the ball better than him and no one scores better than him. He is back to playing his best and he would dearly love to win another World Championship.”

Should O’Sullivan beat Dave Gilbert in the first round, he will play Mark Allen if the Antrim man overcomes Scott Donaldson.

White says if Allen can emulate compatriots Higgins, a title winner in 1972 as well as 1982, and Dennis Taylor, the 1985 black ball champion, it will transform his life.

“Mark is one of the greatest players there is in the balls and around the pink and black but for me he has to be firing on all cylinders to beat the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan and so far this season he hasn’t produced that enough,” states the Chelsea fan.

“The second round is over three sessions and you have to give him a chance against Ronnie but they both have to get there first.

“If Mark could win the world title it would put him up there as one of the greats. To win it in this era with so many brilliant players, it would be career-changing for him.”

White, 60 early next month, missed out on another playing appearance at the Crucible, losing in qualifying. He is determined, though, to continue to chalk it up in a sport in which he is adored by the fans.

“It is great that people still come up to me and say they have always enjoyed watching me play. That’s a brilliant feeling and makes me very, very proud,” says the Whirlwind. “I’m still playing really well and working on the mental side of it. I’m not far away. If I didn’t have the game I wouldn’t play but I know it’s there so I will keep going.

“Our sport is in a fantastic place, getting bigger worldwide every year. In the ’80s there was probably 100 good players. Now you have 10,000. The standard is high and the World Championships should be great. It’s our blue riband event. I can’t wait.”

Watch the World Championship live on discovery+ and Eurosport from today

Alex Higgins’ infamous 1982 World Snooker semi-final comeback left me in awe, admits Jimmy White

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