Jimmy White once again put his legion of supporters through the wringer as he survived an epic encounter at the World Snooker Championship qualifiers.
With the clock reaching 1:23am at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, opponent Anton Kazakov finally offered his hand in defeat.
It had been a gruelling fixture right from the off as six-time World Championship runner-up White began his latest quest to return to the Crucible Theatre.
Not since 2006 has the Whirlwind graced the sport’s most iconic stage, but his victory in the early hours of Wednesday morning takes him one step closer this year.
The 62 year-old edged a close opening frame on the black, an early signal to what was to transpire across the day’s dramatic play.
White, who lost the third frame after succumbing to the three-miss rule, looked visibly frustrated with his level as he proceeded to lose the opening session – at one point thumping the table with his fist in anger.
When Ukraine’s Kazakov, only able to compete this year as a top-up amateur from Q-School, duly made it 7-3 in the evening session, a sorry climax for White and his fans seemed in store.
But the latter dug deep and discovered unlikely form, compiling breaks of 126, 71, and 56 to restore parity before moving to within the brink of glory at 9-7.
Of course, it could never be easy.
After Kazakov took a protracted 17th frame, the 20 year-old fought back from 51 points down to pinch the penultimate frame on the black.
An hour-long decider ensued, and despite error-strewn play on both sides, White eventually potted green to blue to seal his spot in the second round.
Next up for the ten-time ranking event winner is Ashley Carty, with three more wins required if he’s to secure his Crucible comeback.
White still boasts long odds of 40/1 to qualify, with several non Gamstop casinos with sportsbooks providing sign-up bonuses and welcome offers to avail of.
Elsewhere, there was a strong performance from Zhao Xintong as the young Chinese star pummelled Cheung Ka Wai 10-3.
Zhao may be competing as an amateur as he continues his career revival following a ban, but he’s actually considered among the betting favourites to capture this year’s World Championship crown.
The 28 year-old produced title-winning form in his first outing of the competition – contributing breaks of 141, 132, 128, 122, 98, 90, 84, and 77 in a dominant display.
Rising teenage prodigy Michal Szubarczyk was unable to extend his stay in the event, however.
The 14 year-old, who has the opportunity to join the World Snooker Tour as a professional next season after his appearance in the European Amateur Championship final, lost 10-8 to Dean Young.
Most of the higher-ranked players have safely advanced so far, but Steven Hallworth, Iulian Boiko, Dylan Emery, and Mateusz Baranowski were among the amateur winners in round one.
On Wednesday, 1997 world champion Ken Doherty and reigning women’s world champion Bai Yulu are among the last round-one contenders entering the fray.
Featured photo credit: WST
White’s century was his first on tour since 19th March 2023 when he made a 132 against Joe Perry at the WST Classic.
Andrew Pagett has now been relegated.
Zhao Xintong produced a display of scoring that many won’t match at the tournament proper.
Mostafa Dorgham and Liam Pullen have been relegated.