Jimmy White believes Ding Junhui “probably should have” already won the World Snooker Championship.
The Chinese star begins his 20th consecutive campaign at the Crucible Theatre on Sunday against David Gilbert, still chasing the one title that has long eluded him.
Now 39, Ding remains one of the most accomplished players of his generation.
A former world number one, he has captured 15 ranking titles – including three UK Championships – and added a Masters crown to his collection of trophies.
For years, he was widely tipped to become the first Chinese world champion, carrying the expectations of a nation as the sport expanded rapidly in Asia.
But while Zhao Xintong ultimately made that breakthrough last year, Ding’s own Crucible story has been one of near-misses and what-ifs.
His debut in Sheffield in 2007 ended in a heavy 10-2 defeat to Ronnie O’Sullivan, a harsh introduction to the sport’s most demanding stage.
Yet he later established himself as a genuine contender, reaching the semi-finals in 2011 before losing to Judd Trump.
The closest he came to glory arrived in 2016, when he surged from the qualifiers all the way to the final only to be denied by Mark Selby.
Selby again proved an obstacle in 2017 – beating Ding in the semi-finals – and since then his record at the Crucible has declined, with no quarter-final appearance since 2018.
He enters this year’s edition as only the 16th seed following a difficult run of form, a far cry from the player who once looked destined to conquer Sheffield.
White, however, still sees the same natural ability and believes Ding’s career at the Crucible could still have a happy ending.
“Ding is kind of like a Yorkshire lad now, isn’t he? Everyone knows Ding, he lives in Sheffield and has his academy here,” White said on TNT Sports.
“All the Chinese players either play in Ding’s or Victoria’s academy. They come here to do their hard work and most of them live here now.”
“Okay, Ding is one of these players who has not won the World Championship – he probably should have done like myself.
“But he is still capable, he still scores heavily, and he still has the game.”
Ding’s influence away from the table has been significant, particularly in Sheffield where he has based himself for years.
His academy has played a central role in nurturing Chinese talent, with many players choosing to train in the city as they pursue their professional ambitions.
That connection only deepens the sense of unfinished business he carries into each return to the Crucible.
Now, as he embarks on a 20th straight appearance at snooker’s blue-riband event, the question is no longer about potential, but whether there is still time to rewrite the narrative.
Standing in his way in the first round of the 2026 draw is Gilbert, a dangerous and experienced opponent who will sense an opportunity against a player short on confidence.
Yet if Ding can rediscover the scoring power and rhythm that once made him one of the sport’s most feared competitors, there remains hope that his story in Sheffield could yet take a different turn.
For years, he was expected to lead China to the pinnacle of the sport.
That milestone has already been reached, but for Ding the ultimate prize still awaits.
Featured photo credit: WST
He just defeated Dave Gilbert fairly easily 10-5.
Gilbert lacks that extra bit of quality — he is rarely able to make a long pot or keep a break going when he really needs to — it’s a shame, because I’d like to see him do better.