Jimmy White 'fighting to stay on tour', ready for Jack Lisowski, 'getting stronger every week' at German Masters

Updated 02/02/2023 at 08:14 GMT

Jimmy White has been delighting snooker fans for decades and that has not stopped in any way as he continues his run at the 2023 German Masters at the Tempodrom in Berlin. The snooker icon next takes on "young gun" Jack Lisowski after his victory over Peng Yisong on Wednesday evening, and he has said he is very much ready for the "perfect arena" in which to play that match.

'A sight we have been watching for over four decades' - White entertains at German Masters

Snooker legend Jimmy White has reacted to becoming the first player in their 60s to reach the last 16 of a ranking event since Eddie Charlton in 1992 after a 5-1 victory over Peng Yisong at the German Masters on Wednesday.

Eurosport expert White will next take on the in-form Jack Lisowski on Thursday evening after the world No. 12 whitewashed Zhang Anda, and he could not be more excited about the prospect of taking on the "young gun".

White explained after his memorable victory over Peng just what it means to him to progress at a top tournament, and his target of reaching the World Championship at the Crucible.

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“I’m fighting to stay on the tour. On the one-year list, I’m on, but I need to go deep in either this tournament or the Welsh [Open]," White told World Snooker Tour after the victory at the Tempodrom in Berlin.

“If I can get to Sheffield knowing that I’ve secured my place, it would be a lot of pressure off me. I'm getting stronger each week!

“I’m really looking forward to it [playing Lisowski]. Jack has a lovely style of play, it’s fantastic to watch. This is the perfect arena for me to play a young gun like Jack."

On overcoming Peng to progress, White was very honest in admitting that "the first couple of frames were a bit scrappy" before he eventually found his rhythm.

“I managed to win the third frame, and then from 2-1 I managed to click into gear," he said. "I played some good stuff, what you have to play to win.

“I didn’t know the guy too well. I know he beat Mark Selby, who can play, so it was a bit difficult trying to find out what his strengths and weaknesses were. But when I got in the balls, I fancied winning the frames, so that was good."

‘First 60 something to reach last 16 of a ranking event since 1992!’ – White beats Peng

White also provided an insight into the work he has been doing on the practice table - and the family connection he now has full-time as he hones his craft ahead of the big events.

“I’ve got my son working with me full-time," White explained.

"He’s enthusiastic like me so the tables are brushed and ironed, and he makes sure I’m doing my two-to-four hours of practice.

“I’m practising different parts of the game and safety play – I didn’t used to do too much of that. I’m just really enjoying playing and want to compete."