SNOOKER fans can expect a vintage display from Jimmy White when he makes a special appearance at Grimsby Auditorium later this month.
The 51-year-old, known as the Whirlwind, will take on eight players from the area in an exhibition on Friday, May 17 – which will see Mike Hallett perform the MC duties.
With former professional Ashley Wright expected to pose the biggest threat to White, seven other hopefuls have been given a chance test their skills against the six-time World Championship finalist.
Part of the Grimsby & District Snooker and Billiards League centenary celebrations, the mercurial left-hander will also take on Darren Stanfield, Dan Hargrave, Lewis Sewell, Lewis Singleton, Steve Neul, Steve Ellis and Blake Munton.
With the exception of Wright and Munton, the Grimsby players each won a qualifier at Ray Edmonds Snooker Centre to confirm their involvement on the night.
And with a single frame against White their reward, the local league stars will now prepare for the toughest on-table challenge of their lives.
With a large crowd expected, many will be counting on the Whirlwind to bring his 'A game' to the town – just as he did on his last visit to the area.
Indeed, the charismatic potter recorded a 147 maximum at the Auditorium in 2010, and backed that up with an equally superb 146 in the following frame.
On that evening, White overcame late great Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins 5-0 as spectators were treated to a wonderful evening of snooker.
And ahead of the Whirlwind's return, event organiser Dave Webster said: "Without any shadow of doubt, Jimmy is one of the greatest players to ever play snooker.
"When he was here last time, Jimmy knocked in a marvellous 147 break, and then a 146 – all in the space of two frames.
"It would be wonderful if he could do something like that again. He is a living legend and a real entertainer for the crowd."
Although White has never won the sport's greatest prize – despite going close in 1984, and every year between 1990 and 1994 – he can boast an impressive list of honours.
Winning 10 ranking events in total, the Whirlwind defeated John Parrott 16-9 to claim the UK Championship in 1992.
Beyond that, the London-born star is able to bestow a tag that even the most illustrious snooker player would be envious of – White is often regarded as the people's champion.
And it is that level of popularity that is certain to lure fans to the Auditorium a week on Friday.
Alan Edmonds – who runs the Ray Edmonds Snooker Centre – added: "It's fantastic for the area – Jimmy is a snooker icon.
"If you speak to anyone in Grimsby, all they want to do is get down and watch Jimmy play.
"Along with Ronnie O'Sullivan, he is that player that fans most want to watch, and he can still pot as well as ever.
"I have seen the local players who will get to play and they are over the moon. It will be a great experience for them, as it will be for the fans."
