Davis in a whirl on White

STEVE DAVIS has hailed the “ridiculous” longevity of Jimmy White as his 60-year-old pal returns to centre stage at the UK Championship.

The evergreen Whirlwind (above) won four qualifying matches to earn the right to walk out at York’s Barbican Centre tonight against British Open winner Ryan Day.

Six-time world champion Davis played on until his mid-50s – but even he can scarcely believe the enthusiasm White still shows 42 years after turning pro.

Davis, 65, who beat White in one of the six finals he lost at the Crucible, reckons his contemporary is doing “a better job of turning back the tide than King Canute”.

Although White, who won the UK title 30 years ago, may not have as many trophies as some, Davis puts him in the top three of all time on raw talent and ability. “It’s an amazing feat, and the more you think about it, the more incredible it is,” said Davis.

“It’s a reward for how much hard work and effort Jimmy’s still putting in. It should be totally celebrated, he should get the biggest cheer on Saturday night. It’s ridiculous, unbelievable that at the age of 60 he has as much or more enthusiasm than players even a third his age.”