SNOOKER legend Jimmy White has challenged Grimsby's hot potters to show what they are made of on the baize.
The Whirlwind will chalk up alongside eight locals in a celebratory exhibition at the Auditorium tomorrow night (doors open 6.30pm).
A six-time World Championship finalist, White's return to the town will mark the 100th anniversary of the Grimsby & District Snooker and Billiards League.
And while he wowed the crowd with breaks of 147 and 146 on his last visit, the mercurial left-hander is planning an alternative approach this time.
White, 51, told the Telegraph: "I've been to Grimsby many times before, but this is going to be different with me playing against the top league players in the town.
"It will be serious and I will be trying my best to win, but there will be plenty of fun as well and they will all get a chance to show what they can do.
"It will be hard to get two breaks as high as last time, but I will be trying my very best to entertain the Grimsby crowd.
"At the same time it's about giving the locals an opportunity – but if they are unable to take it I will be there to finish them off and take the frames."
Former professional, and reigning Frank Templeman Senior Trophy winner, Ashley Wright is expected to pose the strongest threat to White tomorrow evening.
But the Whirlwind will also face tough competition from Steve Ellis, Danny Hargrave, Steve Neul, Lewis Sewell, Lewis Singleton and Darren Stanfield.
And in what is likely to raise the loudest cheer on the night, the veteran will face inspirational teenager Blake Munton, who last week featured on the back page of the Telegraph.
White added: "Blake is a lovely boy and I'm looking forward to seeing him again and playing against him. He has done really well – it is going to be a fantastic night.
"I'm looking forward to coming back to Grimsby – people in the town love their snooker and hopefully there will be a good crowd in on the night."
Having won two of the last three Snooker Legends events, the Whirlwind will blow into town tomorrow in fine form. In partnership with Dennis Taylor, that run included a 5-4 doubles victory over Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis at the Crucible Theatre, in Sheffield, last month.
Tickets for the Jimmy White exhibition are still available. To book your place at the special event, contact Grimsby Auditorium on 0844 871 3016. Prices start at £12.
