WHITE: YOUNG CHINESE STARS SET TO DOMINATE SNOOKER

JIMMY WHITE reckons half of the elite top 16 will come from China within six years.

The Whirlwind is hoping to reach the Betfred World Championship for the first time in 12 years.

White, 55, famously lost six finals at the Crucible, but stands just two qualifying wins away from a glorious return. He took out the promising Sam Craigie in round one, but now faces a tougher test in world No.22 Joe Perry, 43, tomorrow (right).

But the winner of 10 ranking titles sees danger lurking throughout the game from a wave of Chinese teenage talent sweeping through snooker.

White said: “There are so many strong, young Chinese players. I think in the next five, six years, half the top 16 will be Chinese, they are that good.

“So, for me to get to the Crucible via qualifying I have to play well and be sharp, which I am, and probably also dodge a couple of bullets on the way. “But in the best-of-19, the best player should win. If I get to the Crucible, anything can happen – but for now I have to focus on the next match against Joe Perry.

“I haven’t made it to the Crucible for 12 years, but I decided not to go to China to play exhibitions in the build-up and practise hard in Coulsdon.

“Everyone wants to get to Sheffield, but the strength in depth is so good now, the qualifiers are like first-round matches at the Crucible.”